Health and Nutrition with Nature's Sunshine: Sunshine Health Club

How Many toxic chemicals do you have in your home and what are they doing to your health?

In a modern world full of the latest technology in cleaning products that promise to give instant and effortless results we have to wonder what we may be sacrificing for that luxury. Let's take a closer look at some of these "super" conventional cleaning agents in our weekly cleaning schedule and their impact on our health and wellbeing.
*

Toxic Chemicals in the Home

How many toxic chemicals do you have in your home and what are they doing to your health?

In a modern world full of the latest technology in cleaning products that promise to give instant and effortless results we have to wonder what we may be sacrificing for that luxury. Let's take a closer look at some of these "super" conventional cleaning agents in our weekly cleaning schedule and their impact on our health and wellbeing.
*

Do you use the following? STOP!

INGREDIENT	PURPOSE	DANGER
Phosphates	Make detergents more effective, prevent dirt from settling into clothes	Creep into water supply and settle in lakes. They stimulate certain marine growth and disrupt ecosystem .
LAS (linear alkyl sodium sulfunates)	Synthetic surfactant.	Biodegrade slowly and damage environment. Also, releases carcinogenic toxins during production.
Sodium hypochlorite (precursor to bleach)	Whitener, bleach	Highly toxic. When it reacts with organic materials it releases carcinogenic and toxic compounds.
EDTA (ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate)	Reduces mineral hardness	Biodegrades slowly, posing environmental dangers.
Ammonia	General purpose cleaner	may damage eyes, respiratory tract and skin
General bleach/ chlorine	Whitener, antimicrobial	strong corrosive that may irritate and burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract; produces toxic fumes, especially when exposed to heat
Hydrochloric acid	Found in many surface cleaners	a highly corrosive irritant that is irritating and damaging to skin
Formaldehyde	Fungicide and bactericide	a suspected carcinogen, and respiratory irritant
Diethylene glycol	Found in some floor and surface cleaners	may suppress the nervous system
Phenols	Disinfectant	Flammable and toxic; harmful to respiratory system and cardiac tissue
Petroleum solvents	Surface cleaners	Skin, eye and respiratory irritant. Suspected carcinogen.
Sodium Hydroxide (lye)	Cleaner	Caustic; irritant; eye and skin irritant.
1, 4 Dioxane	Softens harsher cleaning agents.	Know to California to cause cancer under Prop65, and is a suspected kidney and respiratory toxicant; groundwater contaminant.
Xenoestrogen	Bi product of some petrochemicals used for cleaning	Compounds that mimic estrogen
Benzine	Solvent

Ammonia

The danger and damage is related to the amount and strength (concentration) of the ammonia or any toxic chemical for that matter. Most household cleaners are relatively weak and cause little or mild damage initially, but the build up is what we should worry about. Industrial strength cleaners or ammonium build-up may cause laryngitis, headaches, fever, nausea/ vomiting, pain, asthma, rapid pulse, increased blood pressure and disrupted hormones

Found in: Window cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners, car polish and all-purpose cleaners.

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)

Degrade into Nonylphenols (NPs), which can mimic the hormone oestrogen. Tests have shown they stimulate the growth of human breast cancer cells and cause adverse reproductive effects. NP is listed as a toxic substance under the Environmental Protection Act, due to NP being persistent in the aquatic environment, moderately bioaccumulative, and extremely toxic to aquatic organisms. NPEs, though less toxic and persistent than NP, are also highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and, in the environment, degrade into NP.

Found in: Liquid laundry detergents, stain removers, all-purpose cleaners, air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, degreasers, and car wash products.

Chlorine

It will often irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It may cause vomiting, pulmonary oedema, or even comas if ingested in concentrate form. Never mix bleach with acid toilet bowl cleaners or ammonia. These mixtures may produce fumes which can be very toxic or even deadly. It is interesting to know that chlorine was the first agent of chemical warfare. Studies show that it causes and aggravates cancer. The harmful effects are intensified when the fumes are heated, as in the shower.

Found in: Our drinking water, swimming pools/jacuzzis, in most store-brand cleaners (dishwasher detergents, fabric whiteners, mould destroyers, toilet/shower cleaners etc.)

Summary of what toxic cleaning chemicals could be doing to your health:

Asthma, eczema, allergies, autoimmune diseases, cellulite and difficulty losing weight, fatigue, fatty liver and other liver diseases, poor brain function- concentration and memory, hormonal imbalances and abnormal cell reproduction and cancer are just some of the health issues you may be suffering on their account.

To detoxify your cleaning closet, first rid it of cleaners that are toxic or that you suspect may be toxic. You can be sure of the toxic ones if the label says WARNING, DANGER or POISON. When you buy new cleaning products, look for those that list their ingredients on the label, and make sure those ingredients include no petroleum-based surfactants, chlorine or phosphates. Also look for the words "nontoxic" and "biodegradable." A host of products now available in natural food stores and in many supermarkets are designed to clean as effectively as their petrochemical counterparts, but won't pollute your home or the earth in the process.

Safer Alternatives *Read all the way to bottom!

Baking soda - cleans, deodorises, softens water, scours.

Hydrogen peroxide - (3%) is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-mould, bleaching and anti-mildew properties. A great replacement for chlorine products.

Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorises, disinfects, softens water, and cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.

White vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odours, some stains and wax build-up.

Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.

Lemons - used to cut grease, deodorise and shine, also to remove tarnish when mixed with salt.

Essential oils - (such as eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon, orange oil, lavender, lemon myrtle etc.) are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-mould, anti-mildew properties, and leave your house smelling fabulous.

Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.

Micro fibre cloths - (like Enjo) microscopic fibres attract and trap dirt, bacteria and grease in the tiny fibres (instead of moving it to other parts of the surface you're cleaning) and remain trapped until loosened in your washing machine (with a gentle detergent).
*

Some cheap and easy to use natural home cleaning recipes:

To clean and disinfect walls, windows, toilets and counter tops.

Just put some 3% hydrogen peroxide into a 200ml spray bottle and add 4 drops of lemon myrtle (or an essential oil of your choice). Spray it on and wipe it off as you would with other household cleaners.

For benches, sinks and bathrooms

1 500ml trigger spray bottle
200ml white vinegar
200ml warm water

Optional: Essential oils - 1 tsp 100ml pure organic soap water (you can make this yourself, by soaking a bar of soap in 100ml of water) or 1 tablespoon of organic liquid Castile soap.

Toilet or oven cleaner

1 cup bicarbonate soda
1 cup vinegar
Sprinkle bicarbonate soda into toilet bowl, or oven and spray vinegar on top. Watch it react. Leave it for ten minutes then clean with a brush and flush or wipe.To finish off the toilet, put a few drops of tea tree oil or lemon oil on a cloth and wipe around the bowl and seat to provide some antibacterial protection (or use the soapy vinegar spray recipe).

A Sunshine Kitchen - Make your kitchen shine with natural and effective NSP products

It is often said that the kitchen is the center of the modern home. If that's true, let's make sure it's a healthful kitchen, even a Sunshine Kitchen. While Nature's Sunshine provides premium-quality herbs and supplements, it also offers products that can become central to your everyday household routines, from cooking to cleaning. For example, did you know that NSP offers all-natural sea salt, a perfect replacement for iodized table salt? Or that you can trade in dozens of your household cleaners for NSP's all-purpose and environmentally safe Sunshine Concentrate? Read more to learn how you can bring a little more Sunshine into your kitchen.
*

Sunshine Concentrate Cleaner is the ultimate all-purpose cleaner. It is tough on grease, dirt and grime, yet safe for the environment and your family because it is free of phosphates, borates and acids. In the kitchen, use it to clean appliances, sinks, counters, wood surfaces, walls, floors, dishes (works in automatic dishwashers and on fine china), pots and pans, silver, copper and brass. It can even be used as a fruit/vegetable wash. But don't limit its use to the kitchen: Sunshine Concentrate is also great for the bath, laundry, outdoor jobs, and as a shampoo or body wash!
*

Nature's Fresh is a natural deodorizer and stain remover that utilizes specialized enzymes gleaned from plant sources. These enzymes work as deodorizers and break down stains Nature's Fresh is hypoallergenic, unscented, non-irritating and environmentally safe. It is the same environmentally breakthrough enzyme spray that we've had and loved for decades. This unscented, hypoallergenic all-natural spray uses enzymes and proteins derived from vegetables and fruits to break down stains and odors. Contains: water, oxidoreductases, transferases, lyases, hydrolases, isomerases, ligases.

Jennifer Hochell Pressimone, an Area Manager in Florida, shared two of her favorite aromatherapy cleaning recipes with us. Try one today using NSP pure essential oils, and add extra cheer to your Sunshine Home!

*
Cleaning Recipes

Counter-Top Spray
1.5 fl. oz. Nature's Fresh

.5 fl. oz. Silver Shield liquid

6 drops Clove Bud Bio Essential Oil

8 drops Lemon Bio Essential Oil

6 drops Thyme Linalol Bio Essential Oil

Mix all of these in a 2 fl. oz. brown amber bottle and spray on surfaces to clean.

All-Purpose Cleaner
2 fl. oz. Sunshine Concentrate
2 fl. oz. Nature's Fresh 4 oz. water
15 drops Lavender Fine Essential Oil 15 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil 15 drops Red Mandarin Essential Oil

Mix all of these in an 8 fl. oz. spray bottle or a recycled Nature's Fresh bottle.
Use for all surfaces.
*

More on Sunshine Concentrate:

Sunshine Concentrate is the ultimate all-purpose cleaner. It is tough on grease, dirt and grime, yet safe for the environment and your family because it is free of phosphates, borates and acids. In the kitchen, use it to clean appliances, sinks, counters, wood surfaces, walls, floors, dishes (works in automatic dishwashers and on fine china), pots and pans, silver, copper and brass. It can even be used as a fruit/vegetable wash. But don't limit its use to the kitchen: Sunshine Concentrate is also great for the bath, laundry, outdoor jobs, and as a shampoo or body wash!

*
Some of my favorite uses of Sunshine Concentrate (I use 1 squirt per gallon of water most times - on really tough glue or grease you can use straight)
You can use a Spray Bottle for Mirrors, Windows, Glass & Household cleaning
Appliances, Cabinets, Ceramic and Fiberglass, Chrome Fixtures, Walls, and Woodwork
Counter tops (add few drops Tea Tree Oil for disinfectant)
Vinyl or Wood Floors
For Sinks, Toilets, tubs and other areas add a little water & Baking Soda and make paste to kill fungus/mold
*
Kitchen Uses
Dishwashing - adjust amts for heavy grease
Fruit and Veggie Wash - 1 pump to lg. bowl of slightly warmed water - Add after filling with water. Allow to sit 20-30 minutes. Removes waxes and pesticides.
Odors - Apply full strength to remove odor of onions, fish, etc. - In thermos or bottles, add few drops after filling with water, shake, let sit, and rinse (can also add alittle baking soda) *
*
Laundry
Clothes Dryer - Spray dryer from Household Cleaning bottle to prevent static cling
Grease and Other Stains - Apply full strength and rub in, then wash or rinse
Hand Washables - 1 t. per qt. of warm water
Washing Machine - 1-2 pumps for full load * For bleach and fabric softener, use white vinegar
* also can add Tea tree oil and/or lemon essential oil to wash load w/ bacteria, fungal, or parasitic concerns (i.e. Has your child just brought home his gym clothes for the first time all year? or dirty socks which were stuck behind the bed for a few weeks?
*

Other Household Uses
Wallpaper Removal - 2 T. to a pale of hot water, apply with swab or mop and lift off. Use a solution of 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water for residue.
Concrete and Mortar Mix - 2 T. to 1 gallon of water to make mixture spread easier and set harder.
Baths - 1 pump as body soap in shower or add to tub for relaxing detoxifying bath (extra plus no bathtub ring and tubs need less frequent washings)
Carpet Stains - Apply full strength, rub in, let sit a few minutes, rub out Combs and Brushes - 3 pumps per basin warm water - Let soak 1-2 hours, rinse and air dry
Humidifiers - 3 to 4 drops in water to help prevent rust and scum.
Golf Clubs, Balls & Gloves - 1 t. to 1 pint of water for cleaningHand Soap - (very small amt needed- a drop) You can make up a small bottle of this mixed with essential oils as well)
Leather - 2 drops on damp sponge - cleans better than saddle soap
Plumbing - Using regularly at sinks keeps pipes open - emulsifies grease
Shaving - Full strength with a little water to make lather - Use Herbal Trim for After-Shave
*
Outdoor Uses
Auto Window Washer, dashboard & all around Car Wash
Battery Terminals - 1/2 t. in pint of water. Spray on, lot soak for 2 minutes, then clean.
Engine degreaser - Use 2 T. to one gallon water to clean engine. Will not effect paint, gaskets, or insulating material, Best results can beachieved when the engine is hot for faster drying of the ignition system. It happens to be a good lubricant!
Windows and Screens - 1 t. to 2 gallons of water for spray cleaner.
Boat Wash - removes spider droppings, grease, algae and everything else on a boat (environmentally completely safe - more so than the commercial boat wash products)
Fertilizer - 2-3 drops per quart, use weekly
Insect Repellent - Full strength or with equal parts water applied to skin also bathing in will help keep bugs away
Paint Brushes - Work full strength into brush, wash with water
Rose Bushes - 1 t. per gallon or 1/4 t. per quart - Spray to protect from red spider and disease
*
THE INGREDIENTS IN NSP'S SUNSHINE CONCENTRATE The Sunshine Concentrate contains water, linear alcohol alkoxylates, and a very small amount of a natural fragrance. The alcohol alkoxylates are a biodegradable series of nonionic surfactants. In short, this is the soap. This provides the Concentrate the detergent and sudsing action and also has antimicrobial activity. These are organic compounds that are safe for the environment being biodegradable, nontoxic, nonirritating, nonmagnetic, and nonvolatile.
NOTE: Do not put fingers or foreign matter into concentrate bottle - bacteria can degrade strength. MY PERSONAL TESTIMONIAL ON THIS ONE PRODUCT As you all know, I have been a member for almost 18 years now. With this in mind, I can not stress more deeply the next sentence. Nature's Sunshine's Sunshine Concentrate soap (32 oz) is the one NSP Product I believe everybody should never be without. Now you all know that I think all of their products are excellent and that I would recommend many many products for many of you, but the Sunshine Concentrate is the one product Everyone would Love after using it just one time. It is the soap which can be used to wash everything and anything better than any other soap. I personally use it for Absolutely Everything! Give it a try and you will see what I mean.

*
Share the Health,