Author: hello@mothernurture.co

Applying antiperspirants/Deodorants every morning is a part of our daily routine as is brushing our teeth. But should we be paying closer attention to what it is that we are applying under our arms and could it be damaging our health?

Many studies have taken place in recent years on deodorants and antiperspirants and their connection with breast cancer.

The aluminum in these products stops you from sweating and blocks up your pores.

According to recent studies, most breast cancers develop in the upper outer part of the breast, the area closest to the armpit, which is where antiperspirants are applied. Could this be coincidence? The studies suggest that chemicals in antiperspirants, including aluminum and parabens are absorbed into the skin. These studies claim that those chemicals may then interact with DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells, or interfere with the female hormone estrogen, which is known to influence the growth of breast cancer cells.

Because estrogen has the ability to promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer. However, research is still on going.

Here are some facts… In a 2007 study published in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, researchers tested breast samples from 17 breast-cancer patients who had undergone mastectomies. The women who used antiperspirants had deposits of aluminum in their outer breast tissue. Concentrations of aluminum were higher in the tissue closest to the underarm than in the central breast.

Below we have listed the most harmful chemicals found in most common Deodorants. These are the ones to avoid.

• Aluminium (Aluminium Zirconium, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Aluminium tetrachlorohydrex)
  Aluminium acts a plug to stop us from sweating. This ingredient causes an imbalance with our hormones and can be a factor in the cause of breast cancer.

• Parabens
  Butylparaben, Heptylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylparaben. All of these should be avoided as they mimic the hormone estrogen. Look out for products with Paraben free Labels.

• Propylene Glycol
  This is petroleum based. Studies have shown that it can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver and heart.

• Triclosan
  Triclosan is classified as a pesticide by the FDA. It is also classed as a probable carcinogen.

Even though research is ongoing and no formal research has been published about the dangers of using aluminium based antiperspirants, we at mother nurture have looked at products that do not contain these possible carcinogenic ingredients. And while you may have to reapply some more often, the natural ingredients and aluminum-free formulas will give you peace of mind that you’re avoiding some of the chemicals found in more conventional antiperspirants.

There are many natural alternatives out there but a few tried and tested are listed below. Cut out these toxic ingredients now before they are officially banned from our cosmetics. Give your body the break it deserves.

Green people natural Deodorants  https://www.greenpeople.co.uk

Pitrok Crystal – leaves you smelling fresh all day! https://www.pitrok.co.uk

Salt of the Earth natural deodorant  https://crystalspring.co.uk

Jason natural deodorant stick.  https://www.jasonnaturalcare.co.uk

 

For many years medical professionals have warned us of the dangers that Talcum Powder can cause breathing problems for babies and children.

Most recently though one big pharmaceutical giant, Johnson and Johnson have been at the centre of many lawsuits from women claiming that the long term use of Johnsons Baby Powder and Shower to Shower has been the cause of ovarian cancer.

The first lawsuit was filed in 2009 by a lady called Diane Berg, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2006. For years she sprinkled her underwear with Talc to remove bad odours. She was not to know that this product was dangerous with long term exposure as there are no warning signs on the packaging.

She sued them for gross negligence and fraud. As a result of the trial, Talc was found in the tumours from her ovaries and it was decided that the product was the cause of her cancer. Shockingly though Johnson and Johnson were not found guilty of fraud and were not ordered to award any damages. Interestingly,  they did however offer her $1.3 Million in an out of court settlement on the understanding that she would sign a confidentiality clause. This she refused.

As shocking and disappointing as this was, Two other judges did find Johnson and Johnson guilty of negligence, conspiracy and failure to warn women of the increased risk of using Talcum Powder in the genitail area with long term use. They were found guilty of concealing critical information about the products safety for more than 40 years. They were ordered to pay a hefty $127 Million to two separate families. Now more than one thousand lawsuits have been filed against the pharmacetical giants.

As of this time, there has not been a recall of any of the talc-based products as a result of ovarian cancer. However, talcum powder is not a product regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The manufacturers of these products regulate themselves. Which is actually quite terrifying, considering that Johnson and Johnson failed to mention that women are 30-60% more likely to get ovarian cancer using their product.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer however does classify Talcum powder as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

So the moral of this story is to perhaps bin all Talcum and possibly all Johnson products with haste.

Don’t fear though we have already begun the search for Talc free alternatives and can recommend just few of the many options out there.

1. Burts Bees – Dusting Powder
2. The Honest Company – Baby Powder
3. Neals Yard – Baby Powder
4. Era Organics – Dusting Powder
5. Reiscare – Baby Powder

Having an unwell child can be a very worrying time. We are exhausted from the constant energy they have when they are well but when they are struck down with a virus we feel helpless and would do anything to have them cartwheeling around us once more.

For many years we have been led to believe that a fever in a child is something to fear and is the cause of their current illness. Well, the truth is the complete opposite to what we have been led to believe.

What is a fever? 

A fever is the bodies defence system against viruses. The fever helps the body fight infections by making a hostile environment. The fever stimulates the immune system into producing more white blood cells and antibodies which protect you from harmful microorganisms. This raised body temperature makes it harder for invading bacteria to survive.

But what about febrile convulsions you say!

Febrile convulsions are caused by the rapid rise of temperature, not by the fever itself. Research has proven that pain relievers such as calpol and ibruprofen will do nothing to stop this from happening

There are now many studies showing that paracetomol can inhibit immune response. Which is one of the reasons why they do not recommend giving it to your child after immunisations.

Many are not even aware that NICE guidelines on administering medication changed in 2013. Nice guidelines state:

1.6.3.1 Consider using paracetomel or ibuprofen in children with fever who appear distressed.

1.6.3.2 Do not use antipyretic agents with sole aim of reducing body temperature in children with fever.

With all of this information it is advised that you seek medical attention for fevers that are accompanied by:

• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• A stiff neck
• Unexplained listlessness, confusion and behaviour out of the ordinary.
• A fever that has lasted more then 5 days.

 

 

 

This website shares findings and personal tips from a parental perspective but use your natural instincts and remember to always consult a doctor for professional medical advice and if you have any health related concerns.

It’s that time of year again, the nights are drawing in and the children are back in the classroom coop sharing the usual coughs and colds.

We all know by now the importance of fresh air especially on cold sunny autumn days, and a daily dose of vitamin C. But even the healthiest of people can be struck down by a nasty sore throat.

Here are a few simple home remedies to naturally see you through.

Sip warm honey and lemon tea. 

A traditional remedy that often gets forgotten when handing down to the next generation.

Honey is naturally antibacterial and lemons are high in vitamin C so this lethal germ fighting combination make a great team.

You will need…

• 1 teaspoon on lemon juice or generous lemon wedge (Squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon of good quality honey
• 1 Mug of hot water.

Combine all ingredients and enjoy 2-3 times a day.

Gargle warm salt water

It is all the traditional potions that granny would tell you about as a youngen that are the true cures for the popular cough and colds. Many believe this is the first to try in the event of a sore throat. The gargling of salt water decreases the swelling and inflammation which in turn eases the pain.

You will need…

• 1 cup of warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt (Sea salt or pink salt is preferable)

Combine ingredients making sure all salt has dissolved gargle twice 2-3 times a day.

Steam

Steaming is a great way to ease a sore throat especially if you are completely congested. You can also use eucalyptus oil with this.

You will need…

• One medium sized bowl with hot water filled about half way.
• A large towel. Bath towel will do.
• Eucalyptus oil

Fill the bowl with boiling water add the eucalyptus oil if using and lean over it placing the towel over your head, let the towel drape to the sides to form a seal. Repeat as needed.

Here are a few ideas for avoiding the daytime cartoons. We all feel better for getting some fresh air and children especially thrive from it.

Build a den

A very simple and easy activity. What’s especially lovely about this one is that the whole family can get involved.

Go on a bug hunt!

Feeling brave? Grab a plastic container and head out into the woods for some bug hunting. The children will love you for it.

The Woodland Trust have a great range of spotter sheets.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/activities/2015/06/minibeast-hunt/

Please be careful not to harm the wildlife found and ensure that they are returned to the habitat in which you found them in.

Play Pooh Sticks

A favourite pastime for many and forgotten by most. This is a lovely simple family activity that can easily occupy a couple of hours of the day.

How to play

Every player selects a stick from the local area. At the same time players must throw their stick on the upstream side of the bridge. The first stick to reach the other side wins. It is best to play a best out of 5 to avoid an uproar!

Go sweet chestnut picking. 

Autumn is the best time to go exploring in the woods. The trees are beginning to shed their leaves and it is such a beautiful sight, not to mention fun running in all the leaves!

Sweet chestnut picking is another great family activity. It’s best to take a tough bag for collecting if you won’t be de-shelling them on the walk. Sweet chestnuts are monstrously prickly so it is best to stamp on them with walking boots!

How to cook your bounty.

The best ways are to boil or roast. Score the flat side of the chestnuts with a cross first. This should be done for both cooking methods, as it helps with the pealing after cooking. Boil or roast for 15-20 minutes.

Make a mud pie!

You don’t need a trendy looking mud kitchen to make a few mud-cakes. Raid the kitchen cupboards or even grannies for some old pots and pans and create an area in the garden for children to create some recipes and let their imagination run wild!

Help your child collect a bucket of mud or you can use a mixture of play sand and potting soil. Add just enough water to make it mouldable.

Other things to consider adding.

• Glitter
• lentils
• Seasonal flowers
• Old cookie cutters
• Scoops and whisks
• Water dispenser or an outdoor tap that you can monitor!

Build a Stick Raft

Simple and inspiring activity that both boys and girls will enjoy.

• Collect 4-5 sticks per raft that are fairly straight, about 1cm thick and are about the size of a pencil.
• Tie a simple knot around each end of the sticks and continue adding the others with the same simple knot.
• Tie a double knot on the last stick.
• Add sails to the rafts with leaves or a little bit of old fabric.
• Find a local stream to race the rafts together.

 

Do you already start your day with a cup of warm lemon water? If not you may want to start!

You may have heard many celebrities harking on about this as part of their daily routine, or seen constant posts on social media. Are you wondering if this is all just another fad? Well, we have summed up a few positives so that you can make the decision yourself!

Benefits of drinking lemon 

Immune system boost

Lemons are full of vitamin C which our bodies crave when under stress, mentally or physically. Drinking lemon water everyday can ensure that your levels are continually topped up.

Keeps our bodies Alkalised

Drinking lemon water dissolves the acidity in our body. If our bodies become too acidic we can open it up to illness and disease. Drinking this cup of wonder regularly can keep our bodies PH balanced.

Digestion 

Not only lemon juice but plenty of water helps flush out toxins and aids in digestion. It is also known to help with indigestion.

Weight Loss

Lemons along with oranges, grapefruit and limes contain good amounts of vitamin C which help metabolise fat quicker. This can aid in weight loss.

Antibacterial and great for skin

lemons have antibacterial qualities, which can help with acne breakouts. Citric acid is a natural exfoliater and the vitamin C in lemons help give our skin the fresh glow.

Perhaps it is now time to get swept up into the lemon juice frenzy!

BPA (bisphenol A)

So what does BPA free mean and is it harmful to our health?

BPA is a common chemical. It is mainly used in combination with other chemicals in the manufacture of plastics and resins.

BPA can leach into food from the coatings of canned foods and from consumer products such as tableware, food storage containers, water bottles, and baby bottles. The amount of BPA that leaches into our food depends on the heat in which the plastic reaches. BPA can be found in small quantities in the urine of most adults and can also be found in breast milk!

BPA may mimic hormones and interfere with the endocrine system of glands, which release hormones around the body. Some scientists think that if it interferes with sex hormones, this could affect puberty or the menopause or cause cancers that are related to hormones.
Those calling for a ban suggest that it may be a factor in a rising numbers of human illnesses, such as breast cancer, heart disease and genital birth defects.

In January 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for protecting and promoting Americans’ health through regulation and supervision of food safety, expressed concern over the impact of BPA on the brains and development of young children. It said it was “taking reasonable steps to reduce human exposure” to BPA in the food supply. Canada and some American states have banned the use of BPA in baby feeding bottles.

Animal studies on the effects of BPA so far have suggested that infants and children are the most vulnerable.

What can we do to limit exposure?

• Do not microwave plastic food containers. Especially if you are not sure that they are BPA free.
• Some containers have recycle codes on them, Plastics that are marked with a 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
• When possible choose glass containers, porcelain or stainless steel.
• Use baby bottles that are BPA free. Use BPA free Dummy/soothers.
• Reduce the use of canned foods. Especially those that you know have white protective lining.

So what are parabens?

Parabens have been widely used in products to prevent bacteria growth since the 1950s. They are used in 85% of cosmetics, they are even used in our children’s Calpol! They are a cheap and effective way of prolonging shelf life… Unfortunately, studies found that parabens are carcinogenic. (Cancer causing)

These preservatives were deemed as xenoestrogens during the 90s. Xenoestrogens are compounds that mimic estrogen, the female hormone.
Build up of xenoestrogens have been indicated in many conditions including: breast, prostate and testicular cancer, obesity, infertility, endometriosis, early onset puberty, miscarriages and diabetes.

What kind of products contain parabens?

Makeup, moisturisers, hair care products, shaving products, medication, deodorants to list just a few.

Cosmetics are not regulated by the FDA, something many campaigners have worked tirelessly to change. Considering Parabens have been proven to be a probable factor in the cause of some Cancers wouldn’t you say its about time the FDA got involved?

How can I avoid them?

It only takes 26 seconds for the chemicals in our personal care products to enter our bloodstream, so we think its important to know what is in these products first.

The most common types of parabens are butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Look out for these on the packaging. They are also listed as:

E218 – Methylparaben

E214 – Ethylparaben

E216 – Propylparaben

E209 – Butylparaben

Other names given are:

Ethylparaben
Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid
Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid
Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid
Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid
Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid
Parahydroxybenzoic acid
Parahydroxybenzoate.

Products that do not use parabens have a “parabens-free” label shown prominently on the package.

Opt for organic or products that show preservative free on the packaging.

Sensitive range is less likely to contain Parabens as they can cause skin rashes but please do check the labels. You can also look out for Hypoallergenic ranges.

You can also find information at Breast Cancer Research UK
https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/science-and-research/background-briefings/parabens/

Nature provides us with thousands of medicines and natural antibiotics but they have been forgotten since the introduction of Penicillin in 1928. The idea of eating garlic or drinking gallons of lemon Water to recover from a cold have been given the reputation of being earth loving and weird and wonderful.
But the fact is drug based antibiotics really should only be used for life threatening situations – as a last resort, when all other avenues have been exhausted.

When antibiotics became widespread in 1940, natural antibiotics became a thing of the past. The overuse of antibiotics over this time has now led to an increase of antibiotic resistant strains of infections such as MRSA ( methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) and TDR (Total Drug Resistant)

GPs are now constantly battling to fight off patients that believe that the general cold symptoms they are experiencing must be treated with yet another round of antibiotics, believing that to be the only cure.
If other more natural alternatives were used, we may just see a drop in the number of patients clogging up the GP surgeries.

Did you know that antibiotics not only kill the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria that the body needs to function?

Natural antibiotics to consider.

Garlic
It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral qualities. It is a strong antioxidant that kill off free radicals. (Rouge damaged cells) Garlic should be used daily in cooking but would be even better eaten raw! We eat ours with a lump of cheese and cracker!

Oregano oil
An antibiotic used to treat infections. Takes care of the bad bacteria without disrupting the beneficial bacteria that we have. The key ingredient in this oil is Carvacrol.

Cayenne pepper
Used for thousands of years for its healing power and antibiotic qualities.

Raw honey – Manuka
This is an ancient natural antibiotic.

Echinacea –
A herb widely used to fight infection, especially upper respiratory and the common cold.

Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic qualities. We like to make a hot tea of fresh turmeric, ginger and honey. It’s lovely, you should try it!

Colloidal Silver
It has been known as an effective antibiotic for centuries. Recent research has stated that it can even destroy antibiotic resistant microbes like MRSA.

1 Animals are happier and healthier

They are able to thrive and grow as nature intended. They are free to roam outdoors and are not subject to modern factory farming where animals are routinely given antibiotics and steroids. Organic farming prohibits animal cruelty

2 – Better for you

Organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and mineral such as calcium, magnesium and iron as well as cancer fighting antioxidants and omega 3.
Organic food avoids all pesticides and additives including, aspartame, Msg and hydrogenated fats.

3 – It is safer

There are thousands of brands of insecticides, herbicide and fungicide approved for use in the UK. Fruit and vegetables can be sprayed up to 10 times before they reach the supermarkets. Genetically modified (GM) foods are also banned from organic food.
Poisonous chemicals such as pesticides, can kill animals and cause disease such as cancer, autoimmune disease, respiratory problems and allergies.

5 – More wildlife and Biodiversity

Organic farming relies on wildlife to control pests. The edges of farmland are kept uncultivated to help bugs, birds and bees to flourish. The governments own advisories have found that wildlife is 50% greater in organic farming.

5 – It tastes better

Organic food generally tastes better due to the well balanced and nourished soil that the plants thrive on!