Try this list on for size……this is not an end all list:

• Benzyl Acetate – linked to pancreatic cancer
• Benzyl Alcohol – Upper respiratory tract irritant
• Ethanol – On the EPA’s hazardous waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders
• Limonene – Known carcinogen
• A-Terpineol – Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal adema, and central nervous system damage
• Ethyl Acetate – A narcotic on the EPA’s Hazardous waste list
• Camphor – Causes central nervous system disorders
• Chloroform – Neurotic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
• Linalool – Narcotic that causes central nervous disorders
• Pentane – Chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

So, how could brand products that we have grown to know and LOVE with pretty names like Soft Ocean Mist, Downey, Summer Orchard and April Fresh be so dangerous?

The chemicals in fabric softeners are extremely pungent and strong smelling — SO STRONG that they require the use of the these heavy synthetic fragrances just to cover up the smells.

Furthermore, synthetic fabrics, which are the reason fabric softeners were created in the first place, do not smell good either when heated in a dryer or heated by our bodies….hence the need for event more synthetic, poisonous fragrances.

In other words, remove all the added fragrances that endear people to fabric softeners and like the cliche wolf in sheep’s clothing – the real smells of the chemical-laced fabric softener and the synthetic fabrics they were designed around may prompt people to dump those products in the trash.

Fabric softeners are made to stay in your clothes for LONG periods of time.  As such, chemicals are slowly released either into the air for you to inhale or only your skin for you to absorb.  Dryer sheets are particularly noxious because they are heated in the dryer and the chemicals are released through dryer vents and out into the environment.  Here is a list of the some of the potential health effects from being exposed to the chemicals in fabric softeners:

• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blood Pressure reduction
• Irritation to skin, mucous membranes & respiratory tract
• Pancreatic cancer

Even if you don’t feel the effects of these chemicals today, they could affect you gradually over time, and children, whose systems are still developing, are particularly at risk.  There’s really no reason to expose yourself to these toxic chemicals when natural alternatives exist.  Not only are they safer for you, your family and especially children, but they are much more economical and safer for the environment.

Try these on for size:

1. Add a quarter cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to soften fabric
2. Add a quarter cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften and eliminate static cling

Now back to the original question; FABRIC SOFTENER – To Be or Not To Be?

My answer:  NOT TO BE.

My daily eating is broken down about 60/40; 60% raw and 40% cooked foods….in every case possible I try to eat organic, locally sourced and seasonally available food.  I have come to realize that it is time to change my pots and pans so that I am able to eat as healthy as possible and avoid consuming the teflon flakes that chip off from the interior of the pan coating.  While researching this area, I have gained some insight about the make-up of this non-stick teflon material used.  Teflon is a fluoropolymer, and a product which is  under serious debate called PFOA is used in the production process.  Based on what I have learned below, preparing high quality food and using non-stick cookware that contains PFOA/ PTFE seems to me to be completely counter-productive and potentially unhealthy.

WHAT ARE PFOA and PTFE?

PFOA is perfluorooctanoic acid and is used in Teflon based non-stick cookware.  PFOA is a surfactant and an essential polymerization aid used in very small quantities to help make fluoropolymers. Fluoropolymers are high-performance plastic and synthetic rubber materials.  About 95 percent of fluoropolymers are used in various industrial applications. The other 5 percent are used to make consumer products such as non-stick cookware and weather- and chemical-protective fabrics.   Based on the EPA’s website, these products are not PFOA,  but rather fluoropolymers in which PFOA is used to make.

PTFE is polytetrafluoroethylene, the chemical name for Dupont’s Teflon trademarked material.

Non-stick technology was introduced in 1938.

IS PFOA SAFE FOR HUMANS AND ANIMALS?

For many years, non-stick cookware (using flouropolymers) has been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for conventional kitchen use. FDA has not changed that approval.  However, the U.S. is asking manufacturers to reduce their PFOA emissions by 95% before 2010.  There is no definitive test research that PFOA, resulting from the use of products made with fluoropolymers, is harmful to humans.  It is of important note that PFOA is very persistent in the environment and it is being found at very low levels both in the environment and in the blood of the general U.S. population.  During testing, it has caused developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals.

Regarding animals, birds have particularly sensitive respiratory systems, and can be injured by many kinds of household fumes, including those from aerosol sprays, burning butter or cooking oils, cleaning solvents, and overheated non-stick cookware.

IN CONCLUSION -

The best we can do in life is to collect as much information as possible, from different sources, and make our own educated decisions.  Based on the above, and some other things I have read here and there (source links are below), I am departing with my old pots and pans that have the non-stick teflon brand coating.  While I don’t have time, money or experience to run my own test to produce any sort of conclusive results, intuitively, this just feels like the right thing to do.

WHAT AM I GONNA DO NOW?

After looking at Cuisinart, GreenPan, Calphalon and other cookware possibilities, I have decided to invest in cast iron product where there is no use of teflon in any respect.  Since there is no non-stick surface, a little more attention has to be paid during the cooking process.  Beyond that, cast iron is really the best product on the market because it heats evenly, is durable, cost effective and it out performs other products on the market.

I have chosen to go with LODGE CAST IRON COOKWARE (http://www.lodgemfg.com/).  Not only is the product American Made, but they have been in business since 1896 and is America’s oldest family-owned cookware foundry in the U.S.  Here is a link to their company history: http://www.lodgemfg.com/lodge-history.asp

Additionally, based on their website, the company has initiated a number of GREEN/ ECO-FRIENDLY actions into their manufacturing operation.  Here is a link to that information: htttp://www.lodgemfg.com/eco-responsibility.asp

Make sure you check this company out before purchasing cast iron product from any other company.  I have done some price comparisons and Lodge always had the BEST price.

I ordered a complete set of product from their website today.  I am looking forward to using my new cookware which will outlive me and most likely be the last cookware purchase I ever make.

I am hopeful that you found this information beneficial to you!

Happy and healthy cooking!!!!!

Information Sources:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/05/ask_treehugger_16.php

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/08/greenpan_teflon.php

EPA FINES DUPONT FOR POISONING CONSUMERS WITH TEFLON COOKWARE

http://www.organicconsumers.org/foodsafety/dupont121605.cfm

http://www.epa.gov/oppt/pfoa/

http://www.progressiveu.org/141940-should-i-use-my-teflon-cookware-or-not

http://www.teflon.com/NASApp/Teflon/TeflonPageServlet?pageId=/consumer/na/eng/news/news_detail.safetyconcerns.html

Here’s the Ingredients & Recipe:

1 cup water

2/3 cup of rolled oats

Pinch of dehydrated spearmint

Dash of Celtic Sea Salt

1 tablespoon of Spirulina

1 tablespoon of Psyllium Husk

1 tablespoon of either Organic Blackstrap Molasses or Organic Raw Agave

DIRECTIONS:  Pour the water into a saucepan and place over medium heat.  Add the spearmint, wait one minute and then add the rolled oats.  Let it cook for about 5 minutes and reduce the heat to a simmer.  Allow the water to dehydrate but don’t let the oats stick to the bottom of the pan so keep stirring lightly.  When it is mushy, scoop the oats into a bowl, sprinkle the Spirulina over top, add the sweetner and Psyllium Husk and then MIX.  You can increase/ decrease the water and oats proportionately depending on your size….and the same with the other ingredients.

In this beautiful bowl, here are the basic benefits to what you are eating to help start out your day:

ROLLED OATS - Provides energy and strength to start your day out right.  Helps to lower cholesterol, to reduce risk of cardiovascular dis-ease, to stabilize blood sugar levels, to lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, and more.  It is a natural anti-depressant, helps to make you calmer, and is amazingly high in calcium, potassium and magnesium, together with lots of B complex – all are vital to a healthy nervous system.

SPEARMINT – Besides giving the cereal that minty fresh taste in the morning, it increases the metabolism to help burn fat, it is used to cure headaches, fevers, digestive disorders and several minor ailments, and it also gives relief to your digestive system and eliminates gas from the system among a number of other things.

CELTIC SEA SALT – This mineral stimulates salivation, helps to balance and replenishes all of the body’s electrolytes, provides renewed energy, gives you a high resistance to infections and bacterial diseases, supplies all 82 vital trace minerals to promote optimum biological function and cellular maintenance, balances alkaline/acid levels, restores good digestion, aids in relieving allergies and skin diseases and overall greatly reduces toxins and to help prevent ill-health.

SPIRULINA – One benefit of spirulina (known as a superfood) is that it has more complete protein, amino acids, vitamin B-12, and iron per ounce than many other foods, including soybeans and beef.  It can help in the digestive tract by promoting the growth of acidophilus and other essential flora to breakdown foods and keep toxicity in check.  Spirulina has been known to enhance the immune system in people with low immunity.  It may help to may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and is a good source of GLA (gamma linolenic acid).

PSYLLIUM HUSK – Psyllium plays a role in promoting colon health since poor waste elimination by the body can result in a buildup of waste byproducts in the body. The waste byproducts can then lead to bacteria and viruses attacking your colon, compromising your immune system and creating sickness in the body. For this reason, regular normal bowel movements can be crucial to maintaining proper health. Other benefits of regular bowel movements can be their promotion of weight loss, and a chance at lowering low density lipoproteins, the “bad’ type of cholesterol.

ORGANIC BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES – This is a healthful sweetner that contains iron and calcium.  In comparison to red meat, a well known source of iron, blackstrap molasses provides more iron for less calories and is totally fat-free.  Not only is calcium needed to form and maintain strong bones and teeth, and to help prevent the loss of bone that can occur during menopause and as a result of rheumatoid arthritis but it also binds to and removes toxins from the colon, thus reducing the risk of colon cancer, Molasses is also an excellent source of copper and manganese and a very good source of potassium and magnesium.

RAW AGAVE – Besides tasting good, it has a low glycemic index and is safe for diabetics to take.  It is light and not too sweet.

TALKING ABOUT A BOWL THAT PACKS A PUNCH!!!  Get your day started right…….

Neti Pot – Originally used in India as one of the 6 cleansing techniques to prepare one for yoga practice.  With this pot, lukewarm water is used to gently cleanse the nasal passages.  A gentle stream of salt water, similar in concentration as tears, flows through your nose, washing away pollens, mucus, virsuses and bacteria.  A simple yet powerful technique, Neti works wonders for chronic sinusitis and allergies and has a remarkable effect on upper respiratory tract infections and hay fever.  This thing is so beneficial and relieving that once you try it you will go from “YUK, I am never trying this” to “WOW this is amazing and I will use it again and again.”  Thanks to Mom for giving this as a Christmas gift in 2007.  It can be purchased at Whole Foods and other places that sell vitamins and herbs. 

Purchase online:  http://www.puritansale.com/pages/iq.asp?SearchText=neti+pot&afid=27&safid=Google&scid=6879&cm_mmc=Google-_-Himaly_Typos-_-nettie%20pot-_-Broad+Ad_2623722090%7C-%7C100000000000000031484&cm_guid=1-_-100000000000000031484-_-2623722090

Watch a video to learn how to use it:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8sDIbRAXlg

Wild Oregano Oil Soft Gels – Oregano oil has traditionally been used to support relaxed digestion, respiratory, and immune function and for its antioxidant properties. It naturally contains the phenolic constituent’s carvacrol and thymol, which are thought to be primarily responsible for the benefits associated with oregano. Carvacrol and thymol have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi and may be supportive of a good balance in intestinal microflora and healthy digestion.  While many sicknesses are rooted in the gut, this supplement helps to bring it back into check as well as deliver Vitamin C.

Purchase online:  http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=734  (Also available at most health food stores)

Probiotics – refers to a group of friendly bacteria or microflora.  Trillions of bacteria inhabit our digestive tract making it possible to digest food, absorb nutrients and fight off infections and dis-ease.  Intestinal microflora make it possible to fight off toxic bacteria.  Taking a daily supplement of probiotics helps to keep a good balance between the good and bad bacteria in your intestine.  While yogurt and some other foods have probiotics added, it is usually just one or a few different strains.  Not only should you stay away from dairy products during a bout with sinusitis, but you should also ingest a probiotic product that has many different good bacteria strains which are complementary to each other.  Take probiotics in the morning and evening on an empty stomach for maximum absorbtion.

Purchase online:  (SYNTOL) http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=syntol&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=1100417141&ref=pd_sl_56uaq7eanz_e  (I suggest this product because it is a pro-biotic as well as a pre-biotic; a pre-biotic is nondigestible food ingredient that stimulates the growth of the probiotic)

Chamomile Tea – Warm and soothing to help prepare you for bed.

GT Dave’s Kambucha – http://gtskombucha.com/  Totally raw, all natural, organic beverage that is naturally anti-bacterial/anti-fungal.  Contains beneficial probiotics and live active enzymes. 

My intention was to support my body with the means to fight the bacteria naturally by providing as many probiotics possible to bring my flora back in check.  It was a good combination of internal cleansing and nasal passage washing.  Beyond treating my sickness, all these things above can be practiced on a daily basis as preventative medicine and to improve overall health.

Within 48 hours I was feeling better, and 7 days later, most all symptons were gone with the exception of some remaining mucus that was draining from my head.

To that point, in April of 2006 I intuitively felt like it was time for me to take a break from work and experience different things in life. At the age of 36 and weighing 215 pounds with a 5’9″ frame, it was time to regain control of my life, health and future. I had been working since I could remember, ran a successful marketing agency since 2001 but loss sight of me and my mental and physical health. It was time to make a change. After sitting with a Chiropractic Doctor and being shown what my blood looks like under a high powered microscope, I had a rude awakening. My blood looked like a hot mess and at that rate, I was in for an unhealthy future. I agreed to a long and slow cleanse supported by herbal supplements, a much healthier eating regimen and a daily work-out routine. This path led me to learning about raw, organic and locally sourced foods which I started to play with later in the year and has become a daily enjoyment for me now.

Come September 2006 and 30 pounds less, my largest client gave me word that they would not be renewing their contracts because they took a major hit corporately and need to re-allocate all marketing budgets. Well, unlike most people, I was not shocked nor surprised. I actually felt somewhat relieved. As it came closer to the end of the year, I began to scale things down and started to think about what I wanted to do with my upcoming newly found time.

After helping my parents get over their shock of my change, I decided to do something that I heard many others talk about; to teach english in a foreign country. Thailand – here I come! This was the beginning of self discovery and learning new experiences. Off I went on January 31st to a country I had never been and would not return for 3 months. This trip turned out to be quite an amazing and perspective altering experience. Teaching English to kids for 6 weeks, being accepted by people in a culture different than mine, realizing that we don’t need a lot to be happy, understanding that we all work too hard and don’t enjoy life enough. During my journey, I ultimately found myself on the island of Koh Phangan relaxing at the Sanctuary contemplating the idea of giving myself up to a detox with two a day colonic irrigations. Before this point, I would have laughed at someone and walked away if they would have suggested I submit myself to this process……but now, it felt right. Spending time talking to people, I understand that there are a number of health benefits to detoxing from eliminating undigested waste to releasing toxins from your cells and putting yourself in a healing crisis to cure yourself of any lingering ailments which seem to plague us all too often.

While going through the detox process the first time, the only thing to do is to relax at the beach and kick back in the hammock and take cat naps, read, have conversation and enjoy the simplicity of life in the moment. During this time, I became enlightened to the world of spirituality, alternative medicines, organic foods, sustainability, renewable energy sources and more. I just found myself in the middle of the shift of social consciousness that many of us are beginning to experience. A new world was beginning to open around me and in front of my eyes. Just 6 months earlier I would have never thought or imagined these things as I was in a totally different space in my life. The direction I was going intuitively felt like the right thing to do and so I just allowed myself the opportunity to remain open to it and engage.

Upon returning home from Thailand in May of 2007, I decided immediately that Hollywood was no longer a place for me and I needed to move, and soon. I lived in California for 11 years and it took me that long to find Venice Beach where I moved to by July 1st. Two blocks from the beach, community vibe, farmers markets, no Hollywood vibe, and little traffic.

I still have not working since December of 2006, moved to a new place in Venice Beach which I renovated with my parents, and living life one day at a time. Since April of 2006, I have gone from 215 to 160 pounds, eat mainly vegetarian/ vegan foods with 60% of that being raw. Even though I have not been to a Doctor in 2 years I still pay for health insurance, and I practice alternative medicine.

This is why I am writing this blog. I want to share with anyone what I come across or experience in the areas of food, health and alternative medicine. It seems silly to research something for my own benefit when I am sure many others have the same questions and would be happy to learn, and at my time.

Hopefully you will find something helpful here, AND, please don’t hesitate to share comments if you have experienced something that works for you.

I am writing this blog to share the information that I am finding during my personal research on KRILL OIL. I was where you are right now; either more or less educated on this subject. As I move through this research and self discovery of the benefits for this product I will share as I get them. PLEASE note that I am not a medical practitioner at any level but just someone that is interested in providing for myself the best quality of life by way of the most renewable and natural means. If you have any questions, please ask. I will give you what insight I have and do my best to point you in the right place to learn more for yourself. Also, because it is in writing doesn’t mean that it is 100% correct and that you should take the information as gospel. Do some research yourself and consult with a medical practitioner – either one that focuses on alternative medicines or a traditional doctor.

WHY AM I DOING RESEARCH ON KRILL OIL?

Given that our countries diet is primarily based on corn/ corn oil, and among other things, the population has been consuming an over-abundance of OMEGA-6 and our Omega-3/ Omega-6 ratio is not balanced. Looking for a good renewable and natural source of Omega-3, I have come across KRILL OIL. I am attempting to learn as much as possible so that I can continue to develop on a daily basis a more balanced and healthy way of living.

Let’s start with the basics below and then move to more specificity as it relates to health benefits of the product and where the market is heading.

WHAT IS KRILL?

KRILL, a shrimp-like marine invertebrate, are small crustaceans that serve as food for whales, manta rays, whale sharks, squid, penguins, various seals and some seabird species. They are important in the food chain as they feed primarily on phytoplankton and zooplankton which converts these foods to an available form for many animals for whom Krill is the biggest part of their diet. During the evening, Krill migrate close to the surface and descend during the day in order for the appropriate predators to feed.

Because of the commercial krill harvest, the most well-known species include Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba), Pacific Krill (Euphausia pacifica) and Northern Krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica). In the Antarctic alone, seven (7) species are known.

WHERE IS KRILL FOUND?

KRILL lives in all oceans of the world but primarily they are found in the Antarctic, Arctic and North Pacific Oceans where it is cold. It is believed that the Antarctic Krill comprise an estimated biomass of over 475 million tons. Approximately half of this is eaten by various sea species as mentioned above and is completely renewable given that it is replaced by growth and reproduction.

TRIVIA: Scientists estimate that the total weight of Krill in the Ocean is equal to, if not greater than, the total weight of all Humans living today.

WHEN WAS KRILL FIRST HARVESTED FOR COMMERCIAL USE?

It is documented that at the least, Krill has been harvested since the 19th century as a food source for humans and domesticated animals. It is possible that in Japan it was much earlier. Larger scale harvesting of Krill started to really developed only in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Traditionally, the krill fishery nations were Japan and the Soviet Union (Russia and the Ukraine since its dissolution). Krill harvesting peaked around 1983 with more than 500,000 metric tons from the Southern Ocean. The Soviet Union was responsible for 93% at that time.

Today, it is harvested by Norway, Canada, Japan and others. A couple of the companies responsible for the harvest are AKER BIOMARINE and NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGIES. Total global harvests are about 150,000 – 200,000 metric tons while the quota is 500,000 metric tons. The gap between actual production and the quota are believe to be due to the high costs of harvest and production in the Antarctic region as well as legal and political issues. Most of the catch is used for aquaculture and aquarium feeds but it is beginning to trend more towards pharmaceutical/ nutraceuticals/ alternative medicine. In Russia and Japan, it is also used for human consumption.

HOW IS KRILL AVAILABLE AT RETAIL AS A NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT?

The most common form has been Krill Oil packaged in a soft gel form. The main manufacturer has been Neptune Technologies (http://www.neptunebiotech.com) based in Canada and then AKER BIOMARINE (http://www.akerbiomarine.com) based in Norway. Neptunes product is branded as NKO and is being packaged and sold by companies such as Weider Nutrition, Jarrow, Life-flo, Quality of Life labs, Source Naturals, and others. The soft gels range in dosage size from 300mg, 500mg, and 1000mgs.

WHAT ARE THE ASSETS OF KRILL OIL?

People use Krill Oil for the same reason they use fish oil – primarily for the Omega-3 essential fatty acids DHA & EPA which are extremely crucial to overall health.

Additionally, Krill Oil also contains a very potent anti-oxidant called ASTAXANTHIN. Astaxanthin specifically is the red pigment which gives the Krill, Lobster and Shrimp their reddish color. As you know, tests and research have demonstrated that antioxidants are the key to the promotion of cardiovascular health along with immune support as well as slowing the signs of aging.

Krill Oil also has a secret weapon which is NOT found in Fish Oil which makes it far more superior – PHOSPHOLIPIDS. Krill Oils’ double chain phospholipid structure is similar to the human fat in our cell walls which makes this product much more absorbable and gives it easier entrance into the mitochondria and cellular nucleus. Essentially, Omega-3 fatty acids are being delivered directly to your cells.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KRILL OIL?

There are a number of reported benefits to using Krill Oil as a nutritional supplement. Some of these benefits have been derived from clinical studies.

• Over 300 times greater than vitamins A & E
• Over 48 times greater than Omega-3 Fish Oil
• Over 34 times greater than Co-enzyme Q-10
• Clinically proven to increase HDL by up to 44% and reduce LDL by up to 34%
• Regulates blood lipids to healthy levels
• Effective in treating the pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis and aches and pains in general
• Offers emotional and physical relief of PMS
• An excellent source of Choline and Omega 3 – 9
• Powerful natural balance of fatty acids, phospholipids and anti-oxidants
• Protection against UV light and UV induced skin damage
• Use in Adult ADHD treatment
• Fight aging and oxidation
• Contribute to the maintenance of proper health and wellness
• Promote longevity of life
• Fight fatigue
• Promote health of the body and mind

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF TAKING KRILL OIL?

There aren’t really any side effects to speak of at this point; however, if you have a shrimp allergy, I would be careful on taking this product. Additionally, if you are on a blood thinner, you should not take this product. Outside of these two things, the only down side is that it is a little more pricey than Fish Oil. This is a price I am willing to pay given all the benefits that were listed above which fish oil doesn’t provide; you get what you pay for.

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(More information to come as I find it)

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Some of the above information was derived from the following website locations:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krill

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/krilloil.htm

http://www.freeearth.com.au/content/289/krill-oil.html?PHPSESSID=937021adcaec09d583f12ade5a6c6bd3

http://www.akerbiomarine.com/index.cfm

http://www.neptunebiotech.com

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/uncategorized/why-krill-oil/