Eczema and Allergies on the Increase

Many more people are being affected by hay fever and other allergies, such as eczema and asthma, especially amongst children, as our environment is becoming ever more polluted. In those people disposed to allergic reactions, symptoms will show up when your body can no longer deal with all the chemicals, pharmaceutical medicines, vaccinations, food additives, pesticides etc that enter your body and the electro-smog surrounding us all.

I’ve listed below some things which may be helpful in reducing your likelihood of developing intolerances and reducing the intensity of your symptoms if you are a hay fever sufferer or are prone to allergic reactions.

1) Switch to all natural personal care products

It’s estimated that the average woman puts over 200 chemicals on her body each day! Many of these are damaging to the skin, hormonal balance and the nervous system. Just look at the long list of ingredients on the products you use. This creates a great stress on the liver which has to try to eliminate these and requires high levels of nutrients to complete the process successfully. This means you will need to consume more anti-oxidants and other nutrients to prevent signs of aging, if you are using products with synthetic chemicals.

I recommend that you reduce your daily exposure to unnecessary chemicals and toxic metals by switching to 100% natural personal care products  such as toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo as these go onto the areas of the body most efficient at absorption. Eczema sufferers in particular will benefit from totally natural soap or shower gel and shampoos without any scent.  So called ‘natural’ products may only have 1% plant based substances in them!

Find out which are the ethical companies that use 100% natural ingredients and avoid sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate (an industrial strength degreaser that can cause skin irritation), parabens (damaging preservatives) and don’t use animal testing. See Natural Personal Care Products for some suggested brands. These products contain anti-oxidants and plant –based essential oils that smell wonderful, protect  and truly moisturise your skin and hair.

Click on the So Organic banner on the right hand side of my home page to view a selection of organic personal care and household cleaning products.

Toothpaste

Some makes of toothpaste contain aluminium as well as fluoride and harsh foaming agents (can cause mouth ulcers)! Fluoride is highly toxic and is known to suppress thyroid function, which is a common complaint these days. I strongly advise against young children using fluoride toothpaste where there is any chance that they will swallow it. Brands using natural, non-toxic ingredients include Weleda, Green People, Hollytrees and Lavera. Click on the So Organic banner on the right hand side of my website to view a selection of safe and effective toothpastes. You can buy Weleda toothpaste, available in Calendula (tastes of fennel) or Plant Gel (tastes of mint) from my practice.

If you or your children have teeth prone to decay, it is better to check their intake and absorption of essential minerals and limit sugar consumption. Most diets are deficient in magnesium and silica, not calcium. If you are concerned, I can check this through muscle testing.

Deodorants/Anti-perspirants

Standard anti-perspirants contain aluminium compounds, (known to contribute to dementia and other toxicity issues)  which block your pores and prevent toxins being released through the skin. In addition, aerosols allow the chemicals to enter the nose where they can easily cross the blood- brain barrier  and enter the brain cells. A build-up of aluminium is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

I recommend 100% natural products such as Weleda, Neal’s Yard, Green People and Earthline. These can be spray pumps or roll-ons. They typically use plant extracts to stop bacteria proliferating which causes body odour, but don’t stop the skin from sweating. Sweat is a useful outlet for toxins. Itchy skin may indicate that the detox organs (liver, kidneys and gall bladder) aren’t working efficiently and that toxins are being carried out through the skin. I would recommend consulting a homeopath or kinesiologist to address the root problem.

If strong body odour is a problem this can indicate high levels of toxins in the body. The routes of elimination may not be working properly – homeopathic remedies are great at stimulating your body to eliminate fully. Click on the So Organic banner on the home page of my website for a range of deodorants. Alternatively, you can obtain Weleda deodorants which come in Citrus or Sage scents, directly from me.

2. Switch to ‘green’ household cleaning products

Detergents made from plant based ingredients are less harmful for the environment and you. Artificial scents are made from petroleum and are absorbed very easily by being breathed in. These are associated with asthma, damage to the central nervous system, skin and mucous membrane irritation. Avoid spray products as these are much more easily absorbed than liquid or cream cleansers. ‘Green’ brands include Ecover, Earth Friendly Products and Bentley Organics. Ecover is normally available in the supermarket and So Organic stocks other makes.

3. Reduce amount of  household cleansers used

Using damp microfibre cloths for wiping surfaces often means you don’t need to use a cleanser. They are wonderful for removing fingermarks from stainless steel and cleaning windows and glass without leaving residues behind. It makes the job quicker too!

Personalised Testing

If you would like to find out if you are being adversely affected by any household cleaning or personal care  products please call or email Hellis to arrange an appointment. We can then identify which products to avoid and those that are beneficial to you.

Tel. 0208 300 8027

hellis@discoverholistichealth.co.uk