How To Avoid Everyday Harmful Chemicals Mamas!

As Sassy Mamas, we all want to make sure our little ones are healthy and safe. We keep an eagle eye on them so that they don’t fall and hurt themselves. We keep their fingers out of plug sockets and we do our very best to make sure that they get a healthy diet. Their wellbeing is our number 1 priority. Well mamas did you know that some seemingly harmless kid’s products can be potentially detrimental to the health of our precious ones? It is difficult, actually impossible, to stay clear of all chemicals – unless you go live on a dessert island and wrap your family in organic bubble wrap – but there are small tweaks you can make that will make a difference to you and your children. The solution is simple, just educate yourself on what to look out for and then go as natural as possible, with everything.

This week we look at chemical containing bathroom products – how to look for them and how to avoid them!

Shampoo, Body Washes etc
Kid’s shampoos and body care (and also adult shampoos and body care) are often full of chemicals which are easily absorbed when the hot water in our bath or shower opens up our pores.

The most common concern is a chemical called PHTHALATES. Phthalates are found in shampoos and bodycare items because they help to hold the smell. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors… they mess with the body’s hormonal system – not good in developing children! The endocrine system is super important as it is responsible for producing the hormones that influence and regulate almost every cell of our bodies, including cells which help us to grow, develop and reproduce. Even pre-natal exposure to phthalates can result in genital birth defects in boys and phthalate exposure has also been linked to behavioral issues such as ADHD. Scary right?!

So how to avoid it? Simple – read the labels.
Whenever you see the words “fragrance” or “parfum/perfume” this is Phthalates! There are many organic brands out there which are a great alternative – Avalon Organics, Aubrey Organics, and Dr Woods to name a few of my favourites – and if it is a true organic brand the label will say “perfume of essential oils”, which means that the smell is coming from an essential oil as opposed to Phthalates. www.iherb.com ships to Dubai and sells many organic brands of body care and shampoo products.

If you want to try a super organic shampoo, make you’re own and follow the simple instructions below.  It’s much easier than you think!

HOME MADE SHAMPOO

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4-cup coconut milk  – use actual coconut meat blended in a blender if you can, and if not, use a thick coconut cream ideally in a box and not a can. You can find this at the Bioorganic store in Dubai.
• 1/3 cup Liquid Castille Soap (like Dr Woods available on iherb.com or try the local organic store for other brands)
• 20 drops of Essential Oils of choice (peppermint works well)
• 1 tsp. olive or coconut oil
• ¼ tsp. apple cider vinegar (make sure it is “with the mother”)

METHOD:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender and whizz-up until well combined
• Pour into an old shampoo bottle or jar
• Keep in shower for up to 3 weeks
• Shake before each use
• Use about 1 TBS every time you shampoo
• If you use a foaming dispenser, it will be easier to manage
• Rinse hair well – you could skip conditioner and add a little bit of coconut oil to the ends of your hair to keep it from going dry

 **Note, this will not foam like a usual shampoo (yep, chemicals also that aid that process), however, your hair will be lovely and shiny afterwards!

Mia, a Certified Raw & Plant-based Chef, Yoga Teacher and Health Coach (AADP), is the passionate healthy foodie behind Graciously Green where she shares her favourite raw, cooked and plant-based recipes as well as green-living ideas. Mia’s mantra is to eat and live consciously, it’s as simple as that. Chef Mia offers realistic ideas for healthy eating with wholesome recipes that are fun, easy to make and most importantly delicious.

You will soon be able to meet Chef Mia and taste her raw, vegan and delightful bites at the NYLA Kitchen, part of a fab new Barre and wellness centre opening up in Jumeirah – watch this space!

Top image sourced via Shutterstock