Here's a little glimpse of what it's like to live a 'toxic life.' And yes, these all come from personal experience...believe it or not.
You know you're detoxing...
- when you drink a gallon of water a day and still feel thirsty
- when you cry and the tears burn your face and eyes (my mom always says crying is good because it gets the toxins out)
- when your mom coughs or sneezes when she's around you
- when your sweat smells like perfume (or pesticide, or whatever your detoxing)
- when your hair feels like straw no matter how often you wash it with baking soda
- when unsweetened chocolate tastes really good to you (apparently organic, dark chocolate is good for the liver)
- when you have a recurring dream about pulling a sticky substance out of your teeth and gums
- when a detox bath is the highlight of your day (hot water and minerals, or epson salts, etc.)
- when you actually look forward to going to physical therapy
- when you start adding "de" to all your words - desensitize, destress, declutter, debrief, defocus.... (well, maybe I'm not that far gone, yet...) =)
Yep, it's a toxic life.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010 "Fragrance-Free" Challenge!
(Ok, so technically this is a "fragrance-less" Challenge, since "fragrance-free" is next to impossible. Still, every little bit helps, so I hope you'll take the Challenge!)
The new year is here! Time when people make resolutions, set goals, etc. In that spirit of examination and change, I'm daring ALL of you out there to consider my "Fragrance-Free" Challenge.
Fragrances (a.k.a. chemicals/toxins) are everywhere in our environment now. We've become desensitized to the point where we can't even smell natural scents anymore. (Some products even contain chemicals which harm the nerves in the nose, thus damaging your sense of smell.) No doubt about it, it's time to De-Fragrance!
Some benefits of participating in this Challenge are:
1) You'll gain a better understanding of what life is like for people with E.I. and hopefully increase in empathy and compassion for them.
2) You'll become more aware of just how "fragrantly complicated" your life is and possibly find ways to simply - as well as to SAVE money! (who doesn't want to do that these days?)
3) You'll help reduce the amount of toxins in our environment by using less of them personally.
So now that you see the wonderful benefits, get ready! There are 3 different levels of this Challenge: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Pick the one that best works for you, but be BRAVE! =) Trying something different isn't easy, but can be very rewarding.
Beginner - Set aside 3 days in a row when you will not use ANY of the following products:
1) perfume/cologne
2) fabric softener (liquid or dryer sheets)
3) scented candles, plug-ins, sprays, or air fresheners
If you add up how much money you spend on these products alone, you'll find you could save a LOT by simply not using them anymore. You'll also be kind to any people around you who may have sensitivies or allergies to these 'fragrant' chemicals.
Intermediate - Set aside 4 days in a row when you will not use ANY of the following products:
1) the three things listed above - perfume/cologne, fabric softener, scented candles, etc.
2) hairspray, body spray, and scented lotions
3) hand sanitizer or clorox wipes
4) lysol or pledge type sprays, windex, or other strong chemical cleaners
(in place of these cleaning supplies you can use baking soda or Heinz vinegar--NOTE: other brands of vinegar may be made with petroleum products, thus making them toxic. Heinz is recognized as natural and safe.)
You'll be surprised not only at how many products in your hosue are "fragrant" but also loaded with chemicals and thus toxic to the body. Changing your household products to natural and safe alternatives will save money and help protect your family's health.
Advanced - Set aside 5 days in a row when you will make the following changes:
1) Do not use ANY of the things listed above - #1-4 of the Intermediate Challenge
2) Use baking soda to wash hands, dishes, and laundry instead of liquid or scented soaps (yes, baking soda is safe for washing machines and dishwashers)
3) Use baking soda or a natural kind of deoderant (you can find them at any health food store) instead of your normal brand, and use baking soda or a natural substitue (such as Magic Botanicals) instead of your normal shampoo and conditioner.
If you're brave enough to take this Challenge, then you'll be close to experiencing what my life is like on a daily basis. Once you start to pay attention you'll be shocked by just how many everyday products are filled with chemical fragrances and toxic substances.
I hope you'll be brave enough to take this Challenge!
For all those who do - please let me know how it goes and what you learn from the experience. And thank you for being willing to step into my world in this way.
May 2010 be a year of greater health, less toxins, and more joy in Jesus!
God bless,
-Joanna
The new year is here! Time when people make resolutions, set goals, etc. In that spirit of examination and change, I'm daring ALL of you out there to consider my "Fragrance-Free" Challenge.
Fragrances (a.k.a. chemicals/toxins) are everywhere in our environment now. We've become desensitized to the point where we can't even smell natural scents anymore. (Some products even contain chemicals which harm the nerves in the nose, thus damaging your sense of smell.) No doubt about it, it's time to De-Fragrance!
Some benefits of participating in this Challenge are:
1) You'll gain a better understanding of what life is like for people with E.I. and hopefully increase in empathy and compassion for them.
2) You'll become more aware of just how "fragrantly complicated" your life is and possibly find ways to simply - as well as to SAVE money! (who doesn't want to do that these days?)
3) You'll help reduce the amount of toxins in our environment by using less of them personally.
So now that you see the wonderful benefits, get ready! There are 3 different levels of this Challenge: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Pick the one that best works for you, but be BRAVE! =) Trying something different isn't easy, but can be very rewarding.
Beginner - Set aside 3 days in a row when you will not use ANY of the following products:
1) perfume/cologne
2) fabric softener (liquid or dryer sheets)
3) scented candles, plug-ins, sprays, or air fresheners
If you add up how much money you spend on these products alone, you'll find you could save a LOT by simply not using them anymore. You'll also be kind to any people around you who may have sensitivies or allergies to these 'fragrant' chemicals.
Intermediate - Set aside 4 days in a row when you will not use ANY of the following products:
1) the three things listed above - perfume/cologne, fabric softener, scented candles, etc.
2) hairspray, body spray, and scented lotions
3) hand sanitizer or clorox wipes
4) lysol or pledge type sprays, windex, or other strong chemical cleaners
(in place of these cleaning supplies you can use baking soda or Heinz vinegar--NOTE: other brands of vinegar may be made with petroleum products, thus making them toxic. Heinz is recognized as natural and safe.)
You'll be surprised not only at how many products in your hosue are "fragrant" but also loaded with chemicals and thus toxic to the body. Changing your household products to natural and safe alternatives will save money and help protect your family's health.
Advanced - Set aside 5 days in a row when you will make the following changes:
1) Do not use ANY of the things listed above - #1-4 of the Intermediate Challenge
2) Use baking soda to wash hands, dishes, and laundry instead of liquid or scented soaps (yes, baking soda is safe for washing machines and dishwashers)
3) Use baking soda or a natural kind of deoderant (you can find them at any health food store) instead of your normal brand, and use baking soda or a natural substitue (such as Magic Botanicals) instead of your normal shampoo and conditioner.
If you're brave enough to take this Challenge, then you'll be close to experiencing what my life is like on a daily basis. Once you start to pay attention you'll be shocked by just how many everyday products are filled with chemical fragrances and toxic substances.
I hope you'll be brave enough to take this Challenge!
For all those who do - please let me know how it goes and what you learn from the experience. And thank you for being willing to step into my world in this way.
May 2010 be a year of greater health, less toxins, and more joy in Jesus!
God bless,
-Joanna
Saturday, December 26, 2009
No Holidays
Yesterday was Christmas day 2009 - and I had a really bad day. I felt even worse than usual. I got sick every time my mom came in the room with me. (We think I was reacting to a herb she's been taking. Go figure.) I had a "Christmas dinner" of turkey and peas (mixed with a few tears). It didn't settle in my stomach very well.
I was reminded once again that for people with Environmental Illness, there are no holidays.
Most people look forward to the holidays as a break from their normal routine, time to be with family & friends, maybe doing special things like caroling, playing games, etc. Well, with E.I. there is no break from the 'normal routine' of being sick. This disease (like most diseases) never takes a day off. Being with family and friends is usually not an option unless they "de-fragrance" themselves radically (which isn't easy to do, let me tell you). And special activities take more energy than we, as E.I's usually have.
I'd like to say that after 5 years of this, I'm used to it and it doesn't bother me. But that wouldn't be true. I miss all the 'normal' Christmas activities, traditions, and fellowship. For some reason, the holidays are a like a slap in the face for someone with E.I. It's just another reminder that life as it used to be is gone, at least for now. If we're not careful, it's easy to start dreading holidays, simply becuase they remind of us all we've lost, all we miss.
Well, I imagine you're good and depressed for me now. =) I just wanted to share the reality of what it's like.
On the bright side, even during the difficult holidays, God's kindness is unfailing. (Ps. 18:50) In the middle of my very bad day yesterday, God sent me a Christmas text message from a friend, a cheering-up phone call from a friend with E.I., and a mom whose smile never ceases to brighten my day.
I think I'm learning that the secret to managing the holidays for those of us with E.I. (in addition to changing my expectations), is to focus on celebrating them in my heart, with or without all the wonderful things that usually accompany them.
If you know someone with E.I. remember that something as small as a text message, email or phone call, could make a big difference in helping them see God's kindness instead of focusing on all they're missing.
And may we all learn to be thankful every day that Jesus caame to earth as Immanuel - God WITH us!
I was reminded once again that for people with Environmental Illness, there are no holidays.
Most people look forward to the holidays as a break from their normal routine, time to be with family & friends, maybe doing special things like caroling, playing games, etc. Well, with E.I. there is no break from the 'normal routine' of being sick. This disease (like most diseases) never takes a day off. Being with family and friends is usually not an option unless they "de-fragrance" themselves radically (which isn't easy to do, let me tell you). And special activities take more energy than we, as E.I's usually have.
I'd like to say that after 5 years of this, I'm used to it and it doesn't bother me. But that wouldn't be true. I miss all the 'normal' Christmas activities, traditions, and fellowship. For some reason, the holidays are a like a slap in the face for someone with E.I. It's just another reminder that life as it used to be is gone, at least for now. If we're not careful, it's easy to start dreading holidays, simply becuase they remind of us all we've lost, all we miss.
Well, I imagine you're good and depressed for me now. =) I just wanted to share the reality of what it's like.
On the bright side, even during the difficult holidays, God's kindness is unfailing. (Ps. 18:50) In the middle of my very bad day yesterday, God sent me a Christmas text message from a friend, a cheering-up phone call from a friend with E.I., and a mom whose smile never ceases to brighten my day.
I think I'm learning that the secret to managing the holidays for those of us with E.I. (in addition to changing my expectations), is to focus on celebrating them in my heart, with or without all the wonderful things that usually accompany them.
If you know someone with E.I. remember that something as small as a text message, email or phone call, could make a big difference in helping them see God's kindness instead of focusing on all they're missing.
And may we all learn to be thankful every day that Jesus caame to earth as Immanuel - God WITH us!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Environmental Illness - The Invisible Epidemic
"Environmental Illness" (E.I.) is a term my mom and I started to hear almost 2 years ago. Before that, we had a lot of different diagnoses of what was wrong with me, but not one umbrella term. Then we found out about E.I.
E.I. includes things like Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, severe allergies, Multiple Chemical Sensivitiy (MCS), Electromagnetic Sensivity, Asthma, etc.
Environmental Illness basically means what it sounds like. If you have E.I. you're sick because of problems/causes in your environment. Some of those causes are normal allergens such as molds, pollens, dust, etc. Other causes are "common" toxins like pesticides, formaldahyde (which is in practically everything these days), petroleum products (including plastics, gasoline, natural gas, etc.), fragrance products (shampoo, fabric softener, perfume, etc.), preservatives in foods, electricity, and much more.
Because toxins are flooding our environment everywhere now, more people are being affected by them and ending up with E.I. (even if they don't know there's a name for what's wrong with them). That's why I call E.I. the "invisible epidemic." According to some studies hundreds of thousands (perhaps as many as 700,000) people are living with E.I. right now in our country. It is incredible to me that so many could be suffering from this disease and yet the majority of people have never heard of it, have no idea what it is or what to do about it.
I can tell you that living with E.I. is the hardest thing I've ever experienced. Praise God that He has recently led me to some answers that seem to be helping. But there are so many people out there suffering, with no help, no hope of getting better, and little or no support from family and friends. I hope through this blog to raise awareness and possibly make a difference for those people.
Thank you to everyone who has been my support! I hope you'll continue to learn about E.I. and be a blessing to those who are suffering.
I'm also open to questions or suggestions about what I should post. Let me know your thoughts. =)
Until next time, take care.
-Joanna
E.I. includes things like Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, severe allergies, Multiple Chemical Sensivitiy (MCS), Electromagnetic Sensivity, Asthma, etc.
Environmental Illness basically means what it sounds like. If you have E.I. you're sick because of problems/causes in your environment. Some of those causes are normal allergens such as molds, pollens, dust, etc. Other causes are "common" toxins like pesticides, formaldahyde (which is in practically everything these days), petroleum products (including plastics, gasoline, natural gas, etc.), fragrance products (shampoo, fabric softener, perfume, etc.), preservatives in foods, electricity, and much more.
Because toxins are flooding our environment everywhere now, more people are being affected by them and ending up with E.I. (even if they don't know there's a name for what's wrong with them). That's why I call E.I. the "invisible epidemic." According to some studies hundreds of thousands (perhaps as many as 700,000) people are living with E.I. right now in our country. It is incredible to me that so many could be suffering from this disease and yet the majority of people have never heard of it, have no idea what it is or what to do about it.
I can tell you that living with E.I. is the hardest thing I've ever experienced. Praise God that He has recently led me to some answers that seem to be helping. But there are so many people out there suffering, with no help, no hope of getting better, and little or no support from family and friends. I hope through this blog to raise awareness and possibly make a difference for those people.
Thank you to everyone who has been my support! I hope you'll continue to learn about E.I. and be a blessing to those who are suffering.
I'm also open to questions or suggestions about what I should post. Let me know your thoughts. =)
Until next time, take care.
-Joanna
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to my new blog! I hope you'll find it enjoyable and informative.
This blog is all about my life with Environmental Illness. I'll be including things like -
*"E.I Adventures" - unusual stories of what it's like to live with this disease.
*"Toxin of the Week" - information about different chemicals and toxins to watch out for.
*"What I'm doing..." - information about ideas and treatment that actually help me.
*"Kudos to Non-Toxic Woman" - my mom's adventures and sacrifices in taking care of me.
If you have any suggestions for things you'd like me to include, just let me know.
Ok, that's all for now. Hope you're having a healthy weekend!
God bless,
-Joanna
This blog is all about my life with Environmental Illness. I'll be including things like -
*"E.I Adventures" - unusual stories of what it's like to live with this disease.
*"Toxin of the Week" - information about different chemicals and toxins to watch out for.
*"What I'm doing..." - information about ideas and treatment that actually help me.
*"Kudos to Non-Toxic Woman" - my mom's adventures and sacrifices in taking care of me.
If you have any suggestions for things you'd like me to include, just let me know.
Ok, that's all for now. Hope you're having a healthy weekend!
God bless,
-Joanna
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