The Gurrola Family

Category Archives: Clean Living

Clean Living For Pets

Posted on by

As a family we are committed to living the healthiest life possible and that includes our furry family members too.

If you care for your fur-babies like we do then you’ll want to take a moment to read this research.

Toxic-Dog-Chews

 

THE MOST DANGEROUS PET CHEW EVER: RAWHIDE!

How can one of the most popular chew sticks on the planet be so dangerous for your pets, you ask? I mean, most dogs chew on rawhide for hours on end, and not only does it keep them busy, but they seem to last forever.

Well if you understood what it took to make this toxic “raw” leather stick, you would quickly understand what the problem is.

Aside from the horror stories circulating all over social media these days, of pets needing emergency surgery after consuming rawhide, the majority of pet parents today, especially the newbies, believe that this chew is some sort of dried up meat stick. Let me debunk that myth right away!

A rawhide stick is not the by-product of the beef industry nor is it made of dehydrated meat. Rather, rawhide is the by-product of the “Leather Industry”, so theoretically it is a leather chew. Sounds awesome, right?

“Producing rawhide begins with the splitting of an animal hide, usually from cattle. The top grain is generally tanned and made into leather products, while the inner portion, in its “raw” state, goes to the dogs.” TheBark.com

So, how does this leather, which is conveniently rolled up into pretty shapes, actually get made into those rawhide chews?

Follow along my friends and I will enlighten you on how this hide travels through a leathery process where it transforms from hide to a not-so beautiful, colorful, chew stick. Here is a paraphrased tutorial that was explained by the whole dog journal several years back:

STEP 1: Normally, cattle hides are shipped from slaughterhouses to tanneries for processing. These hides are then treated with a chemical bath to help “preserve” the product during transport to help prevent spoilage.

(No one wants to purchase a black, spoiled rawhide stick!)

Once at the tannery: the hides are soaked and treated with either an ash-lye solution or a highly toxic recipe of sodium sulphide liming. This process will help strip the hair and fat that maybe attached to the hides themselves.

(No, no one wants to see a hairy hide…)

Next on this glorious journey, these hides are then treated with chemicals that help “puff” the hide, making it easier to split into layers.

The outer layer of the hide is used for goods like car seats, clothing, shoes, purses, etc. But, it’s the inner layer that is needed to make the rawhide. (Oh and other things like gelatin, cosmetics, and glue as well!)

STEP 2: Now that we have the inner layer of the hide, it’s time to go to the post-tannery stage! Hides are washed and whitened using a solution of hydrogen peroxide and/or bleach; this will also help remove the smell of the rotten or putrid leather. Bonus!
(Research also shows that other chemicals maybe used here to help the whitening process if the bleach isn’t strong enough.)

STEP 3: Now it’s time to make these whitened sheets of this “leathery by-product” look delicious! So, here is where the artistic painting process comes in.

“Basted, smoked, and decoratively tinted products might be any color (or odor) underneath the coating of (often artificial) dyes and flavors. They can even be painted with a coating of titanium oxide to make them appear white and pretty on the pet store shelves.” – whole-dog-journal.com

“…the Material Safety Data Sheet reveals a toxic confection containing the carcinogen FD&C Red 40, along with preservatives like sodium benzoate. But tracking the effects of chemical exposure is nearly impossible when it’s a matter of slow, low-dose poisoning.”– thebark.com

Ok, now that these hides have been painted, it’s time for the final process.

STEP 4: Getting it to last forever!

Because the FDA does not consider these chews to be food, really it’s a free for all when it comes to the manufacturers of these leather strips, and the products they may want to add to these chews, to get them to last forever. Any sort of glue can be added here to get these bad boys to never come apart.

When tested: Lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium salts, formaldehyde, and other toxic chemicals have been detected in raw hides. So it’s safe to say that any sort of glues can be used as well!

Finally, it’s time to package and attach all the glorious marketing labels to the product.

Check out the fine print warning that’s attached with some of these rawhides:
“Choking or blockages. If your dog swallows large pieces of rawhide, the rawhide can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. Sometimes, abdominal surgery is needed to remove them from the stomach or intestines. If it isn’t resolved, a blockage can lead to death.“

(Oh, how lovely…)

And there it is! It’s now ready to be shipped to store shelves where it can be purchased for our loving animal companions.

How do proactive veterinarians feel about these chews?

Here is world-renowned veterinarian Doctor Karen Becker’s take on the matter:

“The name ‘rawhide’ is technically incorrect. A more accurate name would be processed-hide, because the skin isn’t raw at all. But the term “rawhide” has stuck.

Rawhide chews start out hard, but as your dog works the chew it becomes softer, and eventually he can unknot the knots on each end and the chew takes on the consistency of a slimy piece of taffy or bubble gum. And by that time your dog cannot stop working it — it becomes almost addictive.

At this point, there’s no longer any dental benefit to the chew because it has turned soft and gooey, and, in fact, it has become a choking and intestinal obstruction hazard.“

P.S. Ready for the jaw dropper?

An investigation by Humane Society International stated in their report, “In a particularly grisly twist, the skins of brutally slaughtered dogs in Thailand are mixed with other bits of skin to produce rawhide chew toys for pet dogs. Manufacturers told investigators that these chew toys are regularly exported to and sold in U.S. stores.” – dogingtonpost.com

Toxic Candles

Posted on by

TOXIC CANDLES1-FBpostWhat is really in a candle?

They may seem safe, regular scented candles are a huge source of indoor air pollution and they put off a lot of chemicals that are considered just as dangerous as second-hand smoke. Paraffin is a petroleum waste product and has to be deodorized and chemically bleached before it can be made in to wax.

Most candles are made of paraffin wax, which creates highly toxic benzene and toluene, when burned they can cause damage to the brain, lung and central nervous system, as well as cause developmental difficulties (both are known carcinogens, aka known to cause cancers). In fact, the toxins released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes. I don’t know about you, but I’m not okay with diesel fuel fumes in my home.

Numerous people who have asthma have reported that they can’t even go into a store if the store sells scented candles, even if they aren’t being burned,. They emit so much fragrance that they can trigger asthma attacks and even migraines.

On top of that, many scented candles also have wicks that contain heavy metals like lead, and even a few hours of burning them can create levels of airborne heavy metals that are much higher than the acceptable limits. In the US, candle wicks are supposed to be made of cotton or paper, but studies have found that as much as 30% of candles contain heavy metals in the wicks.

“A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA pollution standards for outdoor air, says the CPSC, which is why they banned lead wicks in 2003. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and numerous health problems.” (source)

Many candles also contain artificial scents and dyes, which release additional chemicals when burned.

“Other toxic chemicals that may be present in the paraffin mixture and released through burning include: Acetone, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene. Some of the toxins are found in other products such as paint, laquer and varnish removers– that’s potent and powerful stuff!”

“Petro-soot from paraffin candles gives off the same soot as the exhaust of a diesel engine, and is considered just as dangerous as second hand smoke, causing problems from headaches to lung cancer. Paraffin fumes have been found to cause tumors in the kidneys and liver of lab animals.”

When I first realized all the problems with scented (and unscented paraffin based candles) candles, I was really bummed. Like most of you I love all those amazing seasonal scents and those awesome store displays just scream “Buy me I’ll make you forget your house has 4 kids and several furry creatures!”

So in my disappointment I decided to seek out other NON-TOXIC ways to create the cozy scented atmosphere I wanted in my home.

The best option I’ve found are beeswax candles, which are not only safe, but have the added benefit of helping clean indoor air.
Beeswax candles emit negative ions, which help reduce positively charged ions in the air.

Dictionary:
“Positive ions, or cations, are formed by the loss of electrons; negative ions, or anions, are formed by the gain of electrons. An atom that has either lost or gained one or more electrons, so that it has an electrical charge. Ions can be either positively or negatively charged.”

Positive ions are generated by electrical devices, by scented candles, by walking across carpet, and even by heating/cooling systems. They are a fact of life, but they can carry everything from dust to pollen to toxic mold, so it is important to reduce them. Indoor air typically has a higher concentration of positive ions.

This is where negatively charged ions come in. They bind together and have a heavier molecular weight so they are no longer floating around the air.

Beeswax candles are a source of negative ions, and can help reduce indoor air pollution.

Make sure your scents are from high quality essential oils. Essential oils can help promote a healthier home. Just do some research first, DO NOT mix essential oils without consulting a pro or reading up on their history and use. They are a GREAT tool used in natural medicine and need to be used wisely.

 

Beautifully Clean

Posted on by

Danger-MakeUpAlmost 8 months ago now we made the decision to go ‘chemical free’ in our home and our lifestyle. It seemed the natural step after understanding the importance of what we put in our body i.e. food. Research just gradually led us to discovering that what we put on our body, breathe in through our lungs and cleaned my environment in all matters too. We were really motivated by just wanting to teach our kids to live the best life possible by making wise decisions. We see so many kids who are being taught that McDonald’s and other fast food places is like a rite of passage and we constantly hear “if you’re “good” we’ll go to that fast food place with the playground”. Then parents are wondering why there’s a rise in children’s diseases like cancers and other immune disorders. If we know better we should do better. Well we KNOW that we want a better life than that for our kids.

The first step we took was a mass clean out of the kitchen & bathroom. We threw out a 3 huge garbage bags of products that were not suitable. It was amazing how much ‘stuff’ we had accumulated over time and simply didn’t use! This was rather therapeutic and cleansing plus it cleared up a lot of space in our house.

Here’s a list of some of the ingredients that were removed from our home.

Lead: It seems crazy, but according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), more than 60% of popular lipsticks contain lead. Brands with the highest lead levels were L’Oreal, Maybelline, Cover Girl and Revlon. And an FDA study found lead in hundreds of lipsticks (five of the 10 most lead-contaminated were made by L’Oreal). Lead is a proven neurotoxin, and its particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children.

Triclosan: Triclosan is a suspected endocrine disrupter, meaning it messes with your hormones and could lead to fertility problems (in men and women), breast cancer and thyroid issues (they’re particularly dangerous for fetuses and tween/teen girls). Because triclosan is antimicrobial, it’s found in deodorants, toothpaste and soap (including Bath & Body Works soaps). But studies have shown no evidence that it’s better than soap and water at killing germs.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is present in more beauty products than you’d think, even though it’s been classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Though there’s been outcry about formaldehyde in chemical hair straighteners, it can also be found in nail polish, face wash and makeup. DMDM-Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde, is also common in shampoos. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin – These are formaldehyde donors, which means that they are derivatives of the formaldehyde, which is what scientists and morticians use to preserve corpses and body parts. Remember dissecting frogs in school? These chemicals are linked to allergies, chest pain, chronic fatigue, depression, dizziness, ear infections, headaches, joint pain, loss of sleep, and can trigger asthma. They can weaken the immune system, and—surprise surprise—cause cancer. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin are used in skin, body and hair products, antiperspirants, and nail polish.

Toluene: Found in nail polish, perfume and hair dye, toluene can cause dizziness, headaches and skin irritation. It also poses special danger to developing fetuses, upping risk of both miscarriage in moms and birth defects in babies. The European Union banned its use in cosmetics in 2004. It might also appear on labels as phenylmethane, methylbenzene, or toluol.

Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is one of the most toxic chemicals still used in cosmetics today. A carcinogen in and of itself, it can also increase exposure to UV rays (thereby upping risk for skin cancer, too). It’s most commonly found in skin-lightening products, but it’s also found in hair relaxers, hair dye, hair-extension glue, hair removers and sunless tanning products. The FDA moved to ban its use in these products back in 2006, but never has.

Phthalates: Used to preserve color and scents in makeup, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that have been linked to cancer, sperm damage and reproductive problems. Phthalates are often added to synthetic fragrances, which are uber-common in soaps, lotions, cleansers and hair care products. Because products are allowed to list ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient without specifying what that means, many products contain phthalates even though their ingredient lists don’t.

Parabens: Used as a preservative in cosmetics, shampoos and lotions, parabens are also endocrine disruptors that have been linked to breast cancer and male reproductive problems. Look out for ingredients methylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben. Banned by the European Union in 2003, phthalates and parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They keep hairsprays sticky and bacteria and fungus out of things like nail polish and perfume. Both have demonstrated themselves to be carcinogenic and particularly linked to breast cancer.

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine): These three chemicals are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing agents—research indicates a strong link to liver and kidney cancer. They are commonly found in shampoos, soaps, bubble baths, and facial cleansers.

Quaternium-15: Commonly causes allergic reactions and dermatitis, and breaks down into formaldehyde. Quarternium-15 is used as a preservative in many skin and hair care products.

Mineral Oil: A petroleum derivative that coats the skin like Saran Wrap, which prevents the skin from breathing, absorbing, and excreting. It also slows the skin’s natural cell development, causing the skin to age prematurely. Note that baby oil is 100% mineral oil—and 100% bad for your baby’s sensitive skin.

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol): PEGs are most commonly used in spray-on oven cleaners and in many hair and skin products. PEG’s main functions are to dissolve oil and grease. Thus, on the body, they take the protective oils off the skin and hair, making them more vulnerable to other toxins.

 

Before we threw everything out we had researched several brands that were going to be our “clean” replacements. Be careful when searching for safe brands that you still take the time to read the ingredients. Remember there are no laws that govern the use of words like “natural” or “clean” companies can slap those words on anything to draw you into buying it.

For our home products and personal care items we went with all Mōdere products. Excellent everyday essential items: laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, shampoos, amazing skin care line and much more. If you’d like to try out a product from Mōdere simply use this code 600574 at check out for a FREE $10.00 with NO Minimum purchase.

Now this part is for all the ladies out there… Did you check your make-up for these toxic ingredients? I was shocked to find out how much junk was in my so called natural mineral make-up.
Considering how easily the chemical and synthetic additives in commercial lipsticks, glosses, and balms are ingested, it’s doubly important to buy all-natural or organic lip and face care products. Popular makeup products, including lipsticks and glosses, use an array of chemical ingredients, from pigments and dyes to fragrances and flavorings, that can harm one of the most sensitive parts of your body. Why expose yourself to possible dangers when you don’t have to?

So to help make it a little easier for you here are a few companies you can look to for healthier cosmetics:

Foundation Options: Painted Earth

Eye Shadow Options: ZAO

Mascara Options: LashLuxe PE

Lip Options: Au Naturale Liner , LipStick , Gloss

Anti-Aging Skin Care: M1 by Mōdere (I highly recommend this product! If you are looking to improve the health of your skin this M1 is amazing. I wanted to get away from wearing so much make-up and decided to focus on improving the health of my skin so I could be confident enough to not feel that NEED to cover it all up. Check out my before & after photos here: Pic1, Pic2, Pic3, Pic4.)

We hope this helps you in your journey to live clean. We have learned a lot in a short amount of time and we just want to share our passion for living the best life possible and for us that means a clean healthy lifestyle. If you have any questions or need help searching out some other safe products let us know we’d be happy to help!

515 Chemicals A Day

Posted on by

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It’s also the biggest for toxins to get inside. It’s not only what you eat, but what you put on your body that is vital to your health. Yet, conventional bath and beauty products are riddled with harmful chemicals. It’s important to take notice of what you put on your #skin.
——————————————

Visit www.Modere.com
Use REFERRAL CODE 600574
You’ll get a FREE $10.00 to get you moving towards a Live Clean lifestyle & a healthier YOU!

—————————————–
They’ve taken a stance against potentially harmful ingredients: no Ethoxylates, no PEGS, SLS, Phthalates, and no Parabens. Add about 750 more for a total of about 3000 other nasty ingredients they completely avoid. Their formulas are pure, reliable and high-performing. Safe. Smart. Stylish.

infographic-skin-final-mine

Shrimp Ceviche Stuffed Avocados

Posted on by

shrimp-avocadosFrom Chef Heather Christo

———————————————-
Ingredients:
✅ 3 large ripe avocados
✅ 1 lime wedge
✅ 1 pound fresh raw shrimp chopped
✅ 1 red Fresno chili, minced
✅ ½ cup finely diced white onion
✅ 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, minced
✅ 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
✅ ½ cup orange juice
✅ 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
✅ kosher salt to taste
————————————————

 

Instructions:
Cut avocados in half. Remove skin and pits. Sprinkle with lime juice and kosher salt.
In medium bowl add chopped raw shrimp, chili, onion and cilantro. Mix well and then add lime juice. Stir and let sit for 10 mins.
Add orange juice and vegetable oil and stir well. Season to taste with kosher salt.
Spoon the Ceviche into each avocado and serve chilled.
—————————————————-
‪‎

All Natural Hairspray

Posted on by

100 ORGANIC hairspray

The chemicals and cost of keeping our hair looking good is frustrating. I can hardly bear to think about the chemicals my kids & I have inhaled with cheap hairspray, not to mention that is sits on our hair all day long. Plus the cost to buy natural hairspray is ridiculous. So with that said we decided test out the best DIY Hairspray recipes and see what really works.

This is the best we came up with:

Ingredients

1 whole orange (for dark hair) or lemon (for light hair), preferably organic (to avoid having pesticides in your hairspray)
2 1/4 cups distilled or filtered water
2-3 tablespoons high proof vodka
6-8 drops of Tea Tree essential oil (use only 100% pure essential oils)

Step 1
Cut a whole lemon or orange into wedges and combine with 2 1/4 cups water in a small pot. Boil over medium high heat until liquid is reduced by half.

Step 2
Strain liquid through a fine strainer into a measuring cup. If you boiled too much liquid out add water until you have 1 cup. Allow citrus mixture to cool.

Step 3
Combine vodka and tea tree essential oils in a small bowl, whisk to mix, then add to the cup of citrus juice.

Step 4
Pour mixture into a spray bottle with a fine mister and shake to combine ingredients. Remember to Shake before each use.

A Few Tips:
This is not a maximum hold hairspray that will freeze and hold 80’s bangs for days. It is a flexible hold formula. We really prefer this to the other brands, plus you don’t feel the need to wear a gas mask during each use. FYI if you want to turn this recipe into an organic/chemical free version of “Sun-In” add 1/2 tsp of real honey to step 1 using lemons.

 

Living the Clean Life

Posted on by

EASY STEPS TO CLEAN LIVINGWe choose clean living for us not because it’s trendy or easy, but because it honestly makes us feel better. We want to encourage others to live their best life possible. So here we are posting a simple starter guide to help you move in a healthier, happier direction.

The rise of organic, natural, and slow foods has accomplished more than just changing the way we all think about food. It has also sparked a culinary movement known as “clean eating.” Putting a spotlight on whole, natural foods and regular physical activity, this eating plan boasts a nutritionally sound diet that promotes balance, variety, and moderation while building a stronger, leaner, healthier you! NEWS FLASH, it has built-in flexibility, so it can easily be tailored to meet almost anyone’s needs. At a time when many consumers are leery about eating processed, preprepared foods and concerns about food safety are rising, this approach to healthy eating is right on target and extremely well worth understanding.

Clean Eating Basics

We focus on choosing whole fruits and vegetables in their natural state; lean meat, fish, and poultry; beans and legumes; low-fat dairy products; and whole grains from a variety of food sources. Meals are high in fiber and low in fat, calories, sugar, and sodium.

As a general rule, clean eaters strive to eliminate all prepared frozen meals, desserts, and side dishes along with convenience, boxed, and canned foods. Off-limit ingredients include highly processed high fructose corn syrup; man-made ingredients such as artificial sweeteners; margarines; trans fats; artificial colors and flavors; unnecessary food additives such as excess salt, sugar, and corn syrup; and chemical preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene (or BHA and BHT, respectively). Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules, as many people who follow this regime opt to include a few low-sodium canned or boxed items such as tomato sauces, chicken or vegetable stock, beans, and salsa, as well as frozen fruits and vegetables without added salt or sugar. But, for the most part, followers get the majority of their food from whole, fresh sources.

Clean Home Basics

We’ve taken a stance against potentially harmful ingredients: no Ethoxylates, no PEGS, SLS, Phthalates, and no Parabens. Add about 750 more for a total of about 3000 other nasty ingredients we avoid. We try to pay close attention to what we allow into our home. We check ingredients on everything…laundry detergents, shampoo, bodywash, toothpaste, vitamins, lotions,  disinfectants, etc.

We use air purifiers with HEPA filters, and have safe indoor house plants for added air purification. We also avoid the use of certain types of plastic that can release dangerous chemicals into the air or into your food or drinks. We would avoid plastic food and drink-ware all together but let’s face it we have 3 kids under 8…it’s just not completely practical to do that yet.

How To Get Started

Some people take a huge drastic approach and go dump out everything in their house (which we DO NOT recommend) or you can slowly ease your way into the lifestyle. Start with working towards making your meals 85% organic veggies and fruits. Then after you’ve gotten away from 70% processed foods start a healthy detox.

1. Support the liver

The liver is the main organ responsible for detoxifying your entire body. Supplements like alpha-lipoic acid and milk thistle can help support the liver as it rids your body of toxins. Antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, glutathione, resveratrol, and n-acetyl-cysteine can all help support the liver as it clears toxins and unwanted chemicals from your body.

2. Eliminate toxins

Once the liver is able to filter toxins out of the blood, it sends them off to be eliminated from the body in a few different ways. The body is able to get rid of toxins through urine, feces, and sweat.

3. Stay hydrated

In order to properly eliminate toxins, it’s best to stay very well-hydrated and drink water throughout the day. Even though it may seem inconvenient to use the restroom so frequently, you’ll be helping your body eliminate toxins and supporting your immune system.

4. Have at least one bowel movement a day.

This ensures that unwanted toxins are removed from your body. If you aren’t having one bowel movement per day, this is a sign from your gut that something is not functioning properly. If constipation has become a chronic problem for you, I’d highly recommend taking magnesium citrate, vitamin C, and fiber, or purchasing our Bowel Care package with all of these supplements in one place.

5. Sweat

Sweating is another natural way your body rids itself of impurities and toxins. You can get a good sweat from an exercise routine, or use a sauna (for only 10-15min a day).

Resources

Check our site frequently we are always adding new recipes, and product reviews on things we love that help out in our clean living goal.