We are an Oregon advocacy organization dedicated to lowering the incidence of breast and other cancers by reducing our exposure to environmental carcinogens.
Excitotoxins; MSG; Aspartame; & "Natural" Flavors -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- As synthetic fragrances disrupt the endocrine / hormonal system, in addition to avoiding them, those with lyme may be interested in: ---------------------
- by Connie Strasheim - Townsend Letter - July, 2010
be sure to scroll down past a section of ads that looks like the end of the article. This is a four-page article. -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I can't believe how many people load their houses with fragrances. I can't tolerate the stuff.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- If I were a LL doctor, I would sure want my patients totally free of chemical exposure - at least as much as within their control.
I think to not do so can interfere with treatment success.
Still, even though I don't buy or use it, it comes in my windows from my neighbors' exhaust fans, etc.
I can't have my windows open when anyone is taking a shower. With 11 other apts, someone is exhausting out chemicals nearly all the time.
Same with dryer sheets for those apts. that have W/D units. I can smell dryer sheets a block away. They get the most vile chemical reactions from dryer sheets - even from others' clothing. It lasts forever. The cockroach of fake smells. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
Identifying Environmental Illness and Mold Exposure in Patients with Persistent Lyme Disease.
Lisa L. Nagy, MD Video $15.
(She is NOT A LLMD, however, she understands the kind of toxicity issues faced by many with lyme. She did not have lyme but overcame very serious MCS. She spoke at the recent ILADS conference.
It's a great presentation to see. The DVD can be ordered. Great detail about toxicity issues also here:
MCS, Porphyria, Biotoxin markers, -
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
I hate all those fake smells too.
What is amazing is that before I started avoiding them I did not realize how much they were affecting me.
Now, since I tend to avoid them, I notice them immediately.
If someone comes in my house or I go somewhere I can smell all the artificial stuff they have on them - from perfume to laundry detergent to fabric softener.
It is truly amazing how no one seems to notice, or care, about this danger.
And why would anyone want to walk around smelling like that?!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Yep, we use "free" everything when it comes to washing clothes.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- TuTu's note reminded me that it's important to clarify that not all "unscented" or "fragrance-free" products really are so. Sometimes, they put in scents to cancel out each other.
As with all things, labels must be read. And, even if the label says "perfect for you" (in so many words), it has to pass my nose-brain test. Any sort of "hit" sensation is important information that I've learned to heed.
I have found I can "do" real peppermint and real lemon added as in the Avalon Organics line of personal care products (but not at all their lavender. As with many who have MCS, lavender can really clobber big time). -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I accidentally bought lavender scented epsom salts. The smell nearly knocked me over!!
it took awhile to get the smell out of my bathroom!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Most products, even when "clean" are just too highly concentrated. The cleaning industry's steroid-approach, so to speak. They want to knock us over or they think we won't give them more money.
Sometimes the lavender is synthetic (and that's never good for anyone) but, still, when from the actual flower oil, especially for those with MCS, lavender is often referred to as "the kiss of death" and I know that first hand.
And, yes, as TuTu mentioned, the scent can last for days - even weeks.
After going scent free, I thought I could do flower scents if from pure essential oil and added that to my massage oil. Huge mistake.
But, then the concentration was way too strong. Had it been like one drop of essential oil in about 3 gallons of massage oil, that might have worked for me.
After years of being scent free, I have found that the easiest essential oils - when diluted - are those from citrus (lemon, grapefruit, bergamot) or the mint family.
Most I know with MCS just can't do the flower essential oils but some can enjoy - in proper dilution - FOOD essential oils from citrus and mint. -