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August 13, 2018

Yes, There’s a Glyphosate Cancer Connection, and Yes- We’re Injecting it into Our Kids

Information has been emerging for the last few years about the glyphosate cancer connection, but another scary secret coming to light is that childhood vaccines contain glyphosate! Yes- glyphosate causes cancer and YES- we’re injecting our children with it! Danielle tells us more below.

The recent case of Dewayne Johnson in San Francisco, California has brought Monsanto, glyphosate, and its link to cancer back into the spotlight. On August 11, 2018, a California judge ordered Monsanto to pay the total of $289 million dollars in damages to Johnson for RoundUp’s glyphosate as a substantial contributing factor to his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in 2014.

Thousands of similar cases are awaiting trial, demonstrating that Johnson isn’t the only cancer victim who blames their disease on glyphosate and harsh herbicides. As expected, Monsanto will appeal the verdict.

A few years ago, glyphosate was in the news when the World Health Organization dubbed it “probably carcinogenic to humans,” meaning it likely causes cancer in humans. Before and since, a number of countries and regions have banned glyphosate from their lawns, fields, or food shelves.

Even WHO’s recommendation warning was attacked by U.S. lawmakers, showing clear signs of bias and questionable associations. WHO stands beside its warning that there is a glyphosate cancer connection.

In case you don’t know, glyphosate is the key ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup Ready herbicide. This herbicide is used on lawns and in Roundup Ready farmer fields. It is used heavily on most GMO and non-GMO conventional produce and grains.

Is glyphosate harmful to humans?

That’s the big question. And although its maker, Monsanto (recently purchased by Bayer) says “no,” some studies are saying otherwise.

You see, glyphosate is patented as an antibiotic. We all know that multiple courses of antibiotics can destroy gut health, and with it, nearly all health. Can you imagine what can happen if you ingest it daily? Even worse than most antibiotics, animal studies have shown us that glyphosate can kill the good bacteria, while bad bacteria are resistant to its effects.

Glyphosate is also a chelator, meaning that it can effectively pull out substances from the body. Unfortunately, when eaten with food, that means it can pull out the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from your stomach. Glyphosate, between destroying gut bacteria and limiting food absorption, can very well be leading us to malnutrition.

That’s not all. Glyphosate has been linked to ADHD, autism, Alzheimer’s, liver and kidney disease, respiratory problems, depression, IBS, Chron’s, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s, infertility and birth defects, obesity, and cancer.

But is it really that prominent? A study done by professor Paul Mills of the University of California tracked the glyphosate levels in individuals from 1993 to 2016 and found that the levels increased by 500% during that time.

Glyphosate isn’t just washing off our food. Our food is saturated with it.

Glyphosate is being found in mothers’ breast milk. It is decimating our bee populations, for whom we are dependent on for food. It is unfortunately also showing up in our drinking water and groundwater supplies.

Is glyphosate a carcinogen? (The glyphosate cancer connection)

Numerous studies have found that yes – glyphosate can and does cause cancer, specifically blood cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer. WHO cancer scientists found that glyphosate and other herbicides and pesticides can be genotoxic – meaning it can harm the genetic material of a cell. This breaks down the cell, leading to cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Monsanto consistently claims that they’ve done numerous studies, and that there is no glyphosate cancer connection. However, their studies are historically self-funded, done in too short a time frame for cancer to appear, and seem to always come with rumors of study malpractice.

What is the half-life of glyphosate?

Let’s go back to science class. The half-life of a chemical is the time it takes for it to be essentially cut in half in whatever system it is introduced. The half-life of glyphosate, depending on if it’s in water, soil, or the body, is around 95 days, but can vary anywhere from 3 to 130 days, or even a year in some instances.

Since most fields are sprayed with glyphosate immediately before harvest, that means that the likelihood that glyphosate ends up on your dinner plate is high. Add to that the fact that multiple applications of glyphosate have been applied per season, and you have a chemical that isn’t going anywhere fast. But glyphosate is not just on our food and lawns.

There’s glyphosate in vaccines; here’s what you need to know

This grassroots group, known for whistleblowing the harm and truth about GMOs and their herbicides, tested five childhood vaccines and found glyphosate present in all five of them, including the flu, DTaP, and MMR vaccines. Dr. Stephanie Seneff has also found glyphosate in the MMR vaccine.

Glyphosate may be present in vaccines through the animal tissues used during production, particularly the bones and marrow used to culture the vaccines.

The problem with vaccines is that they circumvent the normal detoxification pathways – the skin, nose, mouth, and eyes. Each of these points of entry has extensive immune reactions to keep invaders out. When a substance is injected, it bypasses all of the immune system’s processes, and the immune system is left to decide if the object is friend or foe.

Johnson’s attorney argued that it isn’t just the glyphosate that is the problem, it’s the synergistic effects of all of the inert ingredients in RoundUp that caused his cancer. Studies are showing that he is right.

What happens when glyphosate mixes with the heavy metals in vaccines? With the aborted fetal and animal DNA? With the Polysorbate 80? The truth is scientists and doctors do not know, and until then, vaccines, like glyphosate, are just one big science experiment. One where we are the guinea pigs.

One has to wonder: if studies and juries agree that glyphosate causes cancer, and we are not only eating, drinking, and bathing, but also injecting it into our kids, what does this mean for our children? Could vaccines be a contributing factor in the uptick in childhood cancer cases?

Glyphosate, cancer, and autism

Unfortunately, the glyphosate cancer connection isn’t the only bad news. Many leading researchers, including Dr. Seneff, have noticed that glyphosate’s ability to mimic a glycine molecule may lead to an increasingly allergenic immune response on the nerve fibers in the brain, creating the perfect storm for an inflammatory, neurological disorder like MS or autism to occur.

(Autism is also heavily linked to leaky gut, and glyphosate is clearly implicated in that.)

So, how do you stay clear of glyphosate?

Though glyphosate is found in many air and water samples, you can still take steps to limit exposure to your family, such as:

Drink and bathe in filtered water. (We talk about how to choose good filters in this post on fluoride dangers.)
Limit swimming in waters near conventional farms, in case of runoff.
If you can, live far away from conventional farms.
Look for the “Glyphosate Residue Free” label, a new certification for packaged foods.
Buy organic and non-GMO foods, ideally from a farmer you know.
Ask your neighbors to not spray their lawns, or educate them about organic herbicides. Start a community effort to ban herbicides and pesticides from your neighborhood and town.
Detox four times a year, at each changing of the season, with a product like Bioray Primary Detox.

It is nearly unbelievable that glyphosate has been allowed to taint our air, water, food, and vaccines. Cases like Dewayne Johnson’s remind us to keep standing up in our communities for a healthier world.

Take steps to limit your family’s exposure to glyphosate, and share this information with your friends and family.

As Monsanto appeals, the opposing lawyers will be able to further show the glyphosate cancer connection, and numerous lawsuits and subsequent trials may be able to proceed. Through a horrible story such as this, at least the true dangers of glyphosate come out into the open.

Did you know about the glyphosate cancer connection? How about that glyphosate is in vaccines?

May 22, 2018

Could These Toxic Mold Symptoms Keep You Up At Night?

Your body is equipped to handle occasional mold exposure, thanks to a robust immune system. But if you notice toxic mold symptoms, this may be a sign to call in more detox support. Likewise, you may want to double-check your home for any place where mold can grow. In this post, Stefani shares what toxic mold symptoms to look for and what to do if you suspect toxic mold.

Toxic mold is somewhat of a health niche buzzword these days. We’re seeing it everywhere, and watching as it is blamed for ailments from sinus and respiratory conditions to chronic full-body disorders. There are differing opinions on exactly what type of mold will affect you; is it the stuff you find in the shower, or is it the more sinister fungus that hides behind drywall and invades air ducts?

Exposure to black mold can cause a wide range of health problems for some people, while others may not respond at all. The toxic mold symptoms depend on the individual and how their body reacts.

How is it possible that something so small can cause problems that are so large?

The impact of toxic mold on your health

Naturally found outdoors, mold spores can easily enter your home through doorways, windows, and HVAC systems. Spores in the air can also hitch rides on people and animals, which spreads the mold indoors and compromises shoes, clothes, and furniture.

These spores are always in the air, and they grow and thrive on moisture.

When they land on places where there is water or water damage, they will grow. Mold can grow on anything that is damp and porous, such as paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, drywall, and carpet.

Even brand-new homes can harbor mold, as builders hastily install water-damaged materials like drywall, which is then covered by plaster and paint, hiding its dirty secret.

But the impact of toxic mold goes beyond the black stuff growing inside damp spaces.

The real culprit is the nanoparticle mycotoxins that are released by the mold spores. These toxins are considered a “natural poison,” and their dangerous effect will vary by the individual.

The severity of health decline due to mycotoxins depends on the duration of the exposure, age, health, and sex, and also genetics, vitamin deficiency, and even infectious disease status. If your body is strong, effects may be minimal.

But if your body is already weak, or fighting something like an autoimmune disease, it could affect you greatly. Those with certain genetic mutations may also be more sensitive to mold.

How do you know if mold is making you sick?

Mycotoxins, specifically trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins, can be found in urine samples of people who have been exposed to a moldy environment.

So if you suspect that your house or workplace is moldy, you can see your doctor for testing.

Yes, you can test for a mold allergy. Allergy testing will show you if you have an allergic response when exposed to mold.

However, a negative mold allergy test does not mean that you won’t feel the noxious effects of toxic mold if you’ve been living or working in a moldy building. Having an allergy to mold just means that you know you’ll have a reaction, and you should do everything you can to avoid being exposed.

One of the best ways to find out if you’re living in a moldy environment is to take a trip. Leave home for a few days. Do you feel better? Do you start feeling sick again upon returning? You just might have a mold problem.

Toxic mold symptoms to look for

Some black mold symptoms can be serious. And many of them mimic chronic Lyme disease. Some of the more common toxic mold symptoms are:

Fatigue and weakness
A headache, light sensitivity
Poor memory, difficult word finding
Difficulty concentrating
Imbalanced hormones and thyroid disorders
Diabetes
Joint pain
Unusual skin sensations, tingling, and numbness
Shortness of breath, sinus congestion or a chronic cough
Appetite swings and blood sugar deregulation
Poor body temperature regulation
Increased urinary frequency or increased thirst
Red eyes or blurred vision
Hot flashes or sweats
Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and other mental or emotional disorders
Sharp pains
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating
Tearing
Disorientation
Metallic taste in the mouth
Static shocks
Vertigo, feeling lightheaded

Many children diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS and even autism spectrum disorders may have an underlying infectious mold problem.

How to manage toxic mold symptoms

The most important part of managing toxic mold symptoms is getting out of the moldy environment. You cannot begin to treat this issue while still continually being exposed to the mold and mycotoxins.

If there has ever been a leak in your home, and you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, consider that toxic mold could be at the root of your illness, even if there is no visible mold.

If you rent, then get a mold test done and take it to your landlord; they are required to provide a safe place to live or let you out of your lease. If you own the home, then get a mold test done and find out if your homeowner’s insurance will cover remediation.

The best way to test the air in your home is using an ERMI- environmental relative moldiness index – you can pay less than $200 to find out if your home is harboring toxic mold. Order the test here by calling the appropriate customer service number.

If you do have toxic mold:

Get rid of all porous items that were exposed to the moldy environment. This means blankets, pillows, clothes*, papers, books, and furniture that is porous. These cannot be cleaned of the mold and will risk contaminating a new home if you bring them with you.

*You may be able to save some favorite or special clothing items by washing them in this mold-fighting laundry additive.

How long your mold illness will last will greatly depend on your body’s unique abilities to detox.

If your detox pathways are open and functioning properly – or if you make a point of supporting them – then you will be able to rid your body of these toxins much faster than someone whose body isn’t detoxing quickly.

Ways to decrease mold exposure

Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.
Discard absorbent or porous materials, such as damp ceiling tiles and carpet, if they become moldy. If walls grow mold, the drywall must be cut out and replaced.**
Clean mold off hard surfaces such as solid wood furniture with vinegar and essential oils like clove and tea tree, or this mold solution concentrate and dry completely.
Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
Keep air conditioning drip pans and drain lines clear.
Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent, as this minimizes mold growth.
Do not install carpeting in areas where perpetual moisture problems may develop.
Lessen the amount of mold toxins in your home’s air by diffusing clove and tea tree essential oils and installing air purifiers that remove mold. This purifier destroys mold rather than trapping it like most air purifiers.

**If your home has mold, you must hire a professional remediation company to get the mold out. Do not try to remove the mold yourself, as disturbing mold spores will only result in releasing mycotoxins (the poisons released by mold spores) into the air, which will then re-contaminate everything in your home.

Natural remedies for toxic mold exposure

There are several natural ways to try to minimize mold damage in your body.

Use binders, such as bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or even cholestyramine (a prescription medication) to bind the mycotoxins and help them to leave your body.
Do sinus rinses using natural salt and a drop or two of iodine, at least twice a day.
Eat detox foods like beets or this detox salad.
Eat a GAPS or paleo diet; most importantly, eliminate gluten and dairy.
Use an infrared sauna.
Take detox baths.
Remove toxins and help your liver keep up with the toxic load.

Additionally, a high-quality air purifier can be helpful in removing mold spores and mycotoxins from the air, but this only helps if the source of the problem has been remediated.

While toxic mold isn’t a good thing, the severity of response depends on the sensitivity of each person. Make sure you are vigilant about properly repairing leaks in your home, getting rid of damaged materials, and installing high-quality air filters.

Ultimately, if you’re taking care of your body and eating the right foods, your body will be stronger and better able to manage threats like toxic mold.

Have you experienced toxic mold symptoms? What precautions do you take in your home?

June 13, 2017

15 Toxic Chemicals Kids Are Exposed to Daily (& How to Avoid Them!)

When it comes to every day living, unfortunately, our kids are frequently exposed to toxic chemicals. From the food they eat to common household items, toxins abound. Below, you’ll find some of the most common toxic chemicals + tips on how to avoid them.

You may recall the campaign against child abuse that said “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child.” I think the slogan applies to more than just child abuse.

Our kids are being exposed to an alarming amount of toxic chemicals every single day, and it’s clear they are paying the price with their health.

Ask yourself this: when you were a kid, how many friends did you have with asthma? How about autism? Cancer?

Now think of your child’s peers. Those numbers probably look a lot different, unfortunately.

Asthma and allergies are commonplace, 1 in less than 50 kids are diagnosed with autism, and childhood cancer rates are steadily increasing.

So why are our kids so sick?

I have my theories, but let’s just look at one piece of the puzzle: the overwhelmingly toxic world our kids live in. The good news is you can do something about it and protect your child by making small changes in your own home.

Let’s look at some common toxic chemicals our kids are exposed to every day.

1. The mattress they sleep on.

Did you know that the big, soft platform your child snuggles up to each night could be a source of huge toxicity? Mattresses, like car seats and furniture, are required by law to pass flame resistance tests. Manufacturers typically accomplish this by dousing the mattresses in flame retardant chemicals, which are effective for reducing flammability, but pose huge health hazards to consumers.

Unlike other products that you use for short periods of time, we sleep on mattresses for a third of our life!

Mattresses also off-gas from the materials they are made from, which may include industrial rubbers and petroleum products, adhesives, and unnatural fabrics.

What you can do: Look for a non-toxic mattress for your little one to lay his down on at night. My Green Mattress not only makes a mean natural mattress, but the mattresses are actually affordable.

You’ll find mattresses made from organic cotton, wool, and natural latex. Best of all, their manufacturing process and materials make the mattresses naturally flame-resistant, which means no toxic, off-gassing chemicals! Shop My Green Mattress here.

Not ready to make the investment? Mattress protectors made from polyethylene (a food-grade plastic) may keep those toxic chemicals under wraps.

2. Laundry chemicals.

Oh down-y soft freshness, how I love/hate thee. Laundry chemicals may smell nice, but they’re not as nice as they seem.

That’s because they’re the largest source of indoor air pollution. The toxic chemicals that make your clothes smell so nice are wreaking havoc on your child’s endocrine system, contributing to everything from cancer, to asthma, and even fertility problems later in life.

Most laundry detergents contain fragrance, surfactants (the chemicals that actually do the cleaning), and a host of other toxic chemicals including brighteners, stain lifters, & stabilizers. (Don’t forget about toxic dryer sheets!)

What you can do: opt for non-toxic laundry detergents. You can find my favorite, inexpensive detergent here, try making your own, or try soap nuts.

3. Soaps.

Necessary for removing everything from frog germs to… whatever else my boys get themselves into, soap is an everyday part of life, but before you send your kiddo to hit the suds, think about this:

Soaps, whether the bar variety, the gel variety, or shampoo, typically contain hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates (often found in fake fragrance ingredients), sulfates, and parabens. These toxic chemicals can lead to mood swings, cause early or abnormal puberty, and just might cost you future grandchildren, as they can even disturb your child’s fertility.

What you can do: use natural soaps for your little ones. Read labels and avoid those with preservative and unnatural fragrances. Don’t trust the words “natural” or even “organic!” Shop natural baby and children’s products here.

4. Chlorine & chloramines.

Soap isn’t the only toxic chemical your kiddo might encounter as he scrub-a-dub-dubs. Most cities add chlorine and/or chloramine (the result of combing chlorine and ammonia) to their water sources in order to sanitize it and make it safe for consumption.

But is chlorinated water truly safe? Chlorine may kill germs that would otherwise make us sick, but it also kills off the good bacteria that should be inhabiting our skin, eyes, sinuses, mouths, & guts.

Not only does it affect your child’s microbiome, but long-term exposure to chlorinated water also puts your child at risk for cancer, asthma, eye, skin, & throat irritation, liver & kidney dysfunction, and fertility problems.

What you can do: install filters on your shower like this and on your bath spout like this. You can also invest in a whole house filtration system like this.

5. Fluoride.

Thought to protect children’s teeth from cavities, fluoride is added to the water of most cities as well.

Unfortunately, the main chemicals used to fluoridate drinking water, known as “silicofluorides,” are not pharmaceutical-grade fluoride products; they are industrial by-products of the phosphate fertilizer industry. (source)

According to the Fluoride Action Network,

Excessive fluoride exposure is well known to cause a painful bone disease (skeletal fluorosis), as well as a discoloration of the teeth known as dental fluorosis. Excessive fluoride exposure has also been linked to a range of other chronic ailments including arthritis, bone fragility, dental fluorosis, glucose intolerance, gastrointestinal distress, thyroid disease, and possibly cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. (source)

Read more about the dangers of fluoride here.

What you can do: provide your child with filtered water to drink.

Buy bottled water (but it’s hard to figure out which ones may or may not be fluoridated)
Purchase reverse osmosis water or install an RO system in your home (although, I’m not a fan because this removes beneficial minerals from the water as well)
Or, my personal favorite (because it leaves the minerals in your water), purchase a Berkey water filter (with additional fluoride & arsenic filters). This is the one our family has.

6. Heavy metals.

Guess what? It’s not just the chlorine and fluoride you have to worry about in your child’s water! Heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, thallium, and lead have all been found in municipal water sources.

Effects of heavy metal exposure include reduced growth and development, cancer, organ damage, nervous system damage, and in extreme cases, death. Exposure to some metals, such as mercury and lead, may also cause autoimmune disease.

What to do about it: see above water filtration suggestions.

7. Toothpaste.

While your child scrubs away on those pearly whites, he may be introducing toxic chemicals into his mouth. Not only do most toothpastes contain fluoride (see above), but many of them contain sulfates, artificial sweeteners, and even food dyes.

Ain’t nobody need that junk.

What do to about it: first of all, it doesn’t matter how much a child brushes his teeth if he eats a junky diet. Be sure your kiddo is eating a nutrient-dense diet full of veggies, raw milk, grassfed butter, extra virgin cod liver oil, animal fats and proteins, and very little sugar, grains, and processed foods.

To get a good clean without the nasty additives, try my homemade tooth powder recipe or, my kids’ favorite lemon-flavored tooth paste.

8. Cleaning supplies.

Stop! Before you spray that cleaner, step away from the spray bottle.

Most of today’s popular cleaning supplies contain a concoction of artificial fragrances, ammonia, bleach, and other toxic chemicals.

These chemicals can affect your child’s development, contribute to asthma and allergies, irritate your child’s skin, eyes, and lungs, and cause fertility problems.

What you can do: try making your own easy all-purpose cleaning solution with water, liquid castile soap, and essential oils. I use about a tablespoon of soap, 24 drops of essential oils, and fill my spray bottle the rest of the way with water. It smells nice and disinfects- win win!

Also see: how to make your own homemade window cleaner!

9. Toxic food additives.

We have a problem here in America. We have food. And then we have “kid food.” Frankly, I think it’s ridiculous.

Common kid foods contain everything from msg, to food dyes, to artificial sweeteners, all of which are known neurotoxins that prevent proper brain development and can contribute to behavioral and developmental disorders. Click here for a list of foods you should avoid NOW to help your child.

What you can do: read labels. Avoid ingredients you don’t recognize and, better yet, avoid packaged foods. Instead, feed your child nutrient-dense foods like veggies, raw milk and butter, animals fats and proteins, eggs, and very little sugar and grains.

10. Juice & pasteurized milk.

Nothing tops off a bowl of colorful cereal like a helping of grocery store milk. Devoid of nutrition and difficult for little tummies to digest, pasteurized milk does not deserve a spot on your child’s breakfast table. Read my thoughts on how to choose healthy dairy products here.

In addition, many children’s breakfast plates are accompanied by a side of juice. Recent recommendations from American Academy of Pediatrics suggests avoiding fruit juices in younger children. Not only do these juices offer little to no nutrition, but they can lead to gut abnormalities due to malabsorption of indigestible sugars.

What you can do: make sure your child’s beverage is just a nutritious as his breakfast. Serve up a glass of raw milk, a smoothie, a fresh-pressed veggie juice, my kids’ favorite, bulletproof chocolate milk, or a plain ol’ glass of filtered water.

11. Plastics.

Take a look around your home and you’ll likely find a variety of plastics. From furniture to toys to food storage, plastic abounds in most homes.

The problem with this is that plastic is made from toxic chemicals that, you guessed it, disrupt your child’s hormones, leading to problems with puberty and fertility.

Many plastics now boast a “BPA-free” label, but don’t be so quick to think this is a good thing. While BPA has been shown to disrupt hormones, making it especially toxic to pregnant women, fetuses, and young children, its replacement, BPS, is equally harmful.

BPS can disrupt cellular functioning, resulting in metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. (source)

What you can do: avoid plastic, when possible. Opt for wooden toys, and, most importantly, glass or wooden dishes, stainless steel cups (great for accident-prone kids! We love and use these.), and glass food storage containers (plastic lids don’t touch food; never heat with lids on!).

12. Your furniture.

Like mattresses, furniture must pass flame resistance tests. Of course, manufactures use the cheapest means possible to accomplish this, resulting in most furniture being coated with endocrine-disrupting flame retardants.

These chemicals contribute to everything from diabetes, to cancer, to asthma and more, and have no place in the home of growing children.

What you can do: buy second-hand furniture that has already off-gassed much of the toxic chemicals they’re sprayed with OR search for companies who use other means of accomplishing flame resistance, like Ikea.

13. The air they breathe.

It’s a given that outdoor air is host to any number of toxic chemicals, from car to fumes, to factory waste, as well as pesticides and herbicides sprayed on industrial farms and your neighbor’s lawn. BUT- did you know the air inside your home can also be toxic?

As noted above, cleaning and laundry supplies can taint the air inside your home, as can candles and other fragrances.

Other chemicals disrupting the air quality in your home include flame retardants, paints, adhesives, and even the materials the home is made from.

What you can do:

See suggestions above for suggestions for laundry and cleaning supplies.
Use an essential oil diffuser to make your home smell nice and clean the air.
Fill your home with fresh plants, which help to clean the air. Read about the best houseplants to purify indoor air here.

14. Antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals.

Due to everything from ear infections to strep throat, antibiotic usage is rampant in childhood. But it doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t!) be that way.

Antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals destroy good gut bacteria, leading to chronic disease, allergies, and impaired immune function. It’s always best to avoid antibiotics and other unnecessary medications when possible.

(Keep in mind that the leading cause of recurrent ear infections is an intolerance to dairy products and many children get relief by simply removing the culprit.)

What you can do: If your child is sick, try natural remedies before rushing to the doctor. Many herbs have antibacterial properties, and can be very effective against infection. Try this natural antibiotic extract or this natural ear infection remedy.

Our family’s favorites include oregano spirits (which has proven effective against strep & scarlet fever), elderberry syrup (good for colds), and Happy (a supplement which targets unwanted organisms in the gut, and has proven to end stubborn stomach bugs in our house).

15. Antibacterial products.

For the same reason that antibiotics should be used with caution, so should antibacterial products.

Not only do many antibacterial sprays and gels contain hormone-disrupting ingredients, they wipe out your kid’s microbiome.

Additionally, research is emerging that shows children raised in a sterile environment are more likely to suffer from chronic disease and obesity because their immune systems do not encounter germs frequently enough to stay strong.

What to do: let them get dirty! Playing in the dirt is GOOD for your child’s immune system. Use regular, natural soaps as needed.

Protect your kids from toxic chemicals!

If this list is making your head spin, just take a breath! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you won’t be able to remove every toxic chemical from your home overnight.

Instead, focus on what you can control: switch the easiest stuff first, like cleaning supplies, then processed foods; make the switch to cleaner air, water, and, finally, safer furniture and mattresses as you can afford it.

Protecting your child doesn’t have to be scary or stressful. Just adopt a can-do attitude, then do what you CAN DO!

Tell us how you protect your kids from these toxic chemicals, then be sure to share this post using one of our links so friends can read up on how to protect their kids too!

November 2, 2016

How To Treat Viral Infection: Do You Need a Viral Detox?

I’ve mentioned how I’ve struggled with chronic EBV (epstein barr virus- the virus responsible for mono). Below, Danielle tells us more about viral infection treatment and why you may need a viral detox.

Most of us think of a virus as something we come down with for a short period– like a cold or a stomach bug. But did you know that viruses can lie latent within us for months, and even years?

When we are ill, we search for the cause, which many doctors will label a “virus” if no bacteria cause is found. This is because most allopathic and Western medicine doctors subscribe to the “germ theory,” which believes that every ill found in the body is caused by a specific germ. Conventional medicine tends to approach health from this viewpoint, as it’s easier to prescribe drugs for an illness rather than get to the root cause.

Do you need a viral infection treatment?

“A virus is a small parasite that cannot reproduce by itself. Once it infects a susceptible cell, however, a virus can direct the cell machinery to produce more viruses.” Viruses are made up of RNA or DNA genetic material, and are the most common organism found on the planet [source].

Bacteria, viruses, and many other cells make up our body’s biome. Some are good, others are bad. But if we seek to destroy all, we will also take out the good [source].

When a viral infection enters the body, our bodies go into several methods of response. One response, RNA interference, reduces the strength of all viral material in the body, so that the cells survive. T cells (cells active in immune response) are sent to destroy viruses, and antibodies are sent to bind to the virus, rendering it noninfectious. You can imagine how, in an unhealthy person, this delicate and intricate process could be hindered, leaving problematic viruses behind and good viruses in a weakened state.

What viruses infect us?
Some of the most common are influenza, norovirus (stomach bugs), rotavirus, chicken pox (varicella), measles, polio, herpes, shingles, HPV, HIV, hepatitis, and many more.

Most of the time, viruses come into our bodies by way of our mouth, eyes, or nose. They are found by the immune system, which quickly works to find and kill the virus. The body fights the virus by creating a fever and ushering it out of the body (hello vomit or diarrhea). Many viruses show as a rash when leaving the body, such as measles.

However, for those fighting another illness or with weak immune systems, a virus may not be found and may take up home in our blood system or an organ. For these individuals, the virus stays in their system, causing general malaise, chronic fatigue, and illness.

To do a viral infection treatment (both for new and latent viruses), you will need to do a full body cleanse. Viruses can hide in the blood, immune tissues, or organs, so even if a virus is not picked up on a blood test, it could be lurking elsewhere in the body.

In addition, other organisms may hide inside viruses. It’s possible that another issue may arise after the virus is detoxed. If this is the case, do not be discouraged, but know that the detox process is slowly working by uncovering every issue.

First things first: focus on your diet

Before beginning any detox, be sure your diet can facilitate toxins leaving the body. Focus on raw, organic fruits and vegetables, organic, grassfed meats, and raw and cultured dairy. Soups, salads, and steamed vegetables are easy for your body to digest, which is important when it needs to focus more energy on expelling a virus. Be sure to drink at least 64 ounces or more of filtered water each day during a detox.

In addition to your diet, incorporate light exercise, at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and massage, rebounding, and dry skin brushing to stimulate fluid movement.

Viral infection treatment

Depending on the viruses in your body and your genetic make up, the viruses hiding in your body may respond to different viral infection treatments. Move through the treatments, completing 4-6 weeks of each, before allowing a minimum of one week between treatments.

Coconut oil – the fatty acids in coconut oil render it hostile to influenza, measles, herpes, and even AIDS [source]. Try a coconut oil cleanse to target deep latent viruses.
To cleanse, take 2 tablespoons 5-6 times per day. You may blend it in with a smoothie or other beverage. Start slowly with coconut oil or find yourself in the bathroom more frequently than you’d like! Try this one.
Herbs – elderberry has been shown to fight influenza A and B. Oregano oil has been shown to kill many viruses, and other antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Both elderberry and oregano can be found in dried, loose herb forms, and in tinctures and syrups. Try this oregano tincture and elderberry in both whole berry form like this for teas or elderberry syrup like this.
Consume 2-3 cups of organic loose herbs or tea, brewed in filtered water. It is fine to consume the actual herbs, as well.
Roots – garlic, astragalus, and ginger are roots with strong antiviral properties [source, source, source].
Add raw garlic to salads, sautes, and pasta dishes. If possible, crush one clove of garlic and swallow whole with water. You can even put chunks of raw garlic in empty capsules to make getting the benefits of fresh, raw garlic easier to swallow!
Brew a fresh cut piece of astragalus (dried is also fine) or ginger in tea 2-3 times per day. You can also use astragalus in tincture form for immune and adrenal health. Try this one.
Minerals – when we give our bodies the minerals it needs to perform, it can kick our lazy immune system into high gear. Most of us do not get the daily amount of minerals our body needs to support our immune system.
Eat more dark, leafy vegetables. Shoot for 2-3 servings a day. Consume foods with fermented probiotics, such as kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha. There are also mineral supplements, called fulvic and humic minerals if you do not get enough through diet. Sole water is an excellent source of minerals! Read how to make it here.
L Lysine– an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy immune function. It can be very effective against viruses, including the herpies virus responsible for cold sores. Try this L Lysine supplement.

Many of us assume that viruses are easily found and terminated by our immune system, but this is not always the case. Viral vaccines, viruses received during another illness or not treated naturally, and even viruses from childhood may have taken up residence in your system. If your health is suffering, consider being tested for latent viruses and completing a viral detox to rid them from your body.

Do you need a viral detox? Try any of these for a gentle, effective viral infection treatment! Be sure to share using one of our links for friends who may be suffering from viral infection.

October 4, 2016

Heavy Metal Toxicity: How to Help Kids Detox

Heavy metal toxicity is a challenge many of us face every day, but we may not even know it. There are ways to help your child detox on a regular basis, but here, we’ll tell you about the ways children are routinely exposed to heavy metals and what to do about it.

After the recent disaster in Flint, Michigan, you may be concerned about heavy metal toxicity, particularly lead, in our water. Though your water supply should be a concern, we should be concerned about the heavy metals lurking elsewhere and accumulating in our bodies as well. From the air to our water, and and even produce, heavy metals abound, and cause destruction in our bodies if they are not properly detoxed.

Heavy metals do not easily detox from the body, so it’s necessary to complete a detox regularly, or following a particular assault of heavy metals on the body, to avoid heavy metal toxicity.

How does heavy metal toxicity occur?

Heavy metals are, unfortunately, found all around us. They’ve been found in our soil, in our water, on our produce, in the lead or copper pipes in our homes, and in medications.

Tests and symptoms to determine if you need a detox

Most of us would benefit from a heavy metal detox, but you are particularly susceptible to heavy metal poisoning if you:

consume non-organic produce
live in a home built before 1970
have unfiltered water through lead or copper pipes.

The symptoms of heavy metal toxicity may include:

low body temperature or chills
sensitive teeth or a metallic taste in the mouth
prone to allergies
rashes
sensitivities
muscle weakness, twitches, and sensitivity
headaches
frequent illness.

In a child, heavy metal toxicity may show as delayed speech and focus, loss of facial asymmetry, loss of balance, muscle twitching, sudden allergies, eczema or asthma, digestive issues, sudden mood changes, and frequent runny noses and colds.

Like any illness, heavy metal toxicity brings different symptoms to different individuals. The best way to know if you have heavy metal toxicity and need a detox is to complete a lab test.

You can test heavy metal levels through hair follicle testing and blood testing. You can order hair follicle testing online, or request one from your current physician.

How to detox heavy metals safely

Before beginning any detox, evaluate how well your child is currently processing toxins. Does your child sweat a lot? Good! Never sweat? They may have a backup which needs to be addressed.

Does your child have bowel movements daily? If not, or there are other digestive issues; correct these first before beginning a detox. It’s a good idea to do a digestive tract cleanse before beginning a detox, so that your body will process out the toxins correctly. Otherwise, you may just be moving them around and overloading your liver, pancreas, and colon.

Start from the bottom of the digestive tract (colon) to the top (stomach).

Here is a very simple and gentle method:

Cleanse the colon by adding some raw, organic fruit and vegetable juice and fiber into the diet. Psyllium husks are a great fiber to use. If your child will allow it, enemas can be helpful for clearing blockages and cleansing the colon. You can also try Pooper, a new supplement from BIORAY Kids which helps kids keep their bowels moving. Get it here.
Cleanse the liver by adding turmeric, and dandelion and milk thistle teas. Also, add potassium to the diet (bananas and potatoes are good sources). Try BIORAY’s Liver Life formula for liver support. Get it here. (Read about how to support the liver here, plus a tip for mamas!)
Support the stomach by adding pre- and probiotics. Prebiotics, such as potato starch, are essentially the foods which feed the good bacteria. Feeding good bacteria ensures that they will thrive in your gut. These good bacteria will help ensure the toxins do not return to take up residence.

Now, you’re ready to begin your heavy metal detox! Begin by detoxing through the skin, then building up the gut to prepare for ingested detox supplements.

Detox through the skin

Your skin is your largest organ, and holds the most surface area to expel toxins. Start these steps to get your little one sweating out all the bad:

Baths: Epsom salts and essential oils will draw metals out of the body through the skin. You may also try bentonite clay in the bath. Try a lukewarm bath 3-4 days a week with 1/4 cup of Epsom salts and detoxifying essential oils, such as tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, grapefruit and lemon.
Skin Brushing: purchase a skin brush and begin brushing your little one’s skin (always towards the heart) before each bath. This moves the blood and lymph fluids back to the center of the body to be processed and detoxed if necessary (Mom tip – I’ve actually lost weight since I started brushing, so get two).
Sweating: get your child outside and work up a good sweat. If you are in a colder climate, you can also use a sauna at a local health spa or purchase a portable, home-use sauna like this.

Build up the gut

To properly detox heavy metals through the gut, which is susceptible to heavy metal toxicity,

Clean up your diet: cut out processed grains, food dyes, and chemicals (read about the five ingredients you should remove from your diet NOW). Purchase organic produce, grassfed meats and dairy, and try a paleo or GAPS diet.
Add a probiotic: purchase a quality probiotic and supplement it at high doses for at least two weeks prior to beginning the supplemental detoxes below. Jaclyn’s note: in my experience, you should build up to a higher dose of probiotics slowly in order to avoid too much die off. Get my favorite effective probiotic here.

Supplements

Now you are ready to start the movement of metals out through the digestive system. Monitor your child closely (yes, check out each bowel movement!).

Chlorella supplements and tinctures: chlorella can be found in tablets, in powder, or as a tincture. I give my son 1 teaspoon of the tincture in two juices or water each day.
Cilantro: juice it, chop it, or add it to food. Try to have your child consume two tablespoons of juice every 2 days, or consume a tablespoon of it raw every two days during your detox. If your child will not consume it as a juice or raw, try a tincture.
Juicing: juice fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Try to have your child consume one drink per day, at a minimum. Jaclyn’s note: add a raw egg yolk and homemade creme fraiche to turn it into a “GAPS shake” and to provide extra liver support.

How long should you detox?

If this is your child’s first detox, complete this regimen for two weeks. If your child responds well, wait another two weeks and begin it again. This can be performed up to four times per year, ideally at the equinoxes.

After a detox, be sure to keep giving your child organic fruit and vegetable juices to supplement vitamins and minerals and continue supporting the liver.