The Dentist is Not A Flouride God

I took the kids to a new dentist, recently. Normally, when we go to the dentist, I prepare myself to be lectured and scolded because of our decisions to NOT use fluoride.  I usually rehearse what I may need to say -- so that I am not caught off-guard and I re-familiarize myself with just how much money the lobbyists and dental associations actually make.  This time:  I did none of that.  I simply went as a mom.  A mom taking her kids to the dentist.  Period.

I told the receptionist that I wanted to get my children's teeth cleaned and that we would need x-rays, but - that we would not be having fluoride treatments.  Apparently she listened, (heard) and understood what I said because they did not have the fluoride out on the trays nor  did they ask me if I wanted it.  The hygienist starting looking for it and quickly realized that we were declining treatment and then... she offered my kids some stickers.  That's it!

No lecture.  No guilt.  No thoughts of, "Why don't they get it?"

Oh, by the way -- NO CAVITIES!  I was and am so happy!  Makes me want to chant:  no cavities - we have no cavities!  Excuse my lack of proper grammar when elated.  By the way, my children do not have any cavities! 

No cavities - we have no cavities! 

The last 2 years we have used Young Living toothpaste.   Don't judge me - just rejoice that my kids did not have any cavities... ok?  Healing takes years and we are not going back to the chaos of what it used to be like when we went to the dentist.  I went through years of humiliation. 

No cavities - we have no cavities! 

There are 3 man-made chemicals (that I've blogged about before) in most toothpaste: Sodium fluoride, Sorbitol and sodium lauryl sulfate.  In my opinion, they should not be in anything that touches our skin on a regular basis, let alone in our mouths!  (sigh)
 
A quick reminder about fluoride...  By law, the amount of or concentration of Sodium fluoride cannot exceed 1000 ppm (parts per million) for adults and 500 ppm for kids. If higher, there is concern that the "fluoride ion might react with calcium ion and magnesium ion in the human body and cause low level calcium ion and magnesium ion in blood".   For those of us who fight to get supplements in our kids, we sure don't need to make things worse!

Basically, Sorbitol is a liquid that keeps toothpaste moist/wet. Sodium lauryl sulfate  makes toothpaste foam (and gives lather to shampoo as it strips the hair). However, both could be a laxative, causing diarrhea - if they have been swallowed. C'mon -- kids swallow everything and when trying to pinpoint allergies and reactions, it is so hard to trace what affects our kids... but - toothpaste?  Well, you test it out and see if there's a connection.

Thieves Dentarome Toothpaste 
All 3 varieties of Thieves toothpaste are from natural sources. The active ingredient is the essential oil blend - Thieves. Don't judge the name - read about it here.
The constituents of essential oils in Thieves -- thymol, eugenol and eucalyptal are documented to be antibacterial! These ingredients fight the development of plaque and reduce the severity of gingivitis and cavities without side effects. Thieves toothpaste is also effective against 6 different common organisms that can cause oral infections, such as periodontal diseases; Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae,Streptococci sanguis, Bramunella catarrhalis and Candida albicans.

Our whole family uses Thieves toothpaste and as a distributor for Young Living, this is one of the many Young Living products that I believe in.  It does what is claims to do. There is nothing else like it and so we continue to use it. 

No cavities - we have no cavities.

Changes - 1 at A Time

  This year has been a year of changes - more than I could have or would have even imagined, if I had imagined changes at all.

• Our family has moved to a new state, new home and new life. Big change.  Due to this big change, I find myself needing to blog again.  Remember -- blogging is my therapy!  My kids need me, so here I am back to blogging.

There have been many significant changes that have happened, which I am sure I'll share in due time.  The most amazing things have happened and I want to be able to share the good and encouraging things -- especially regarding our health and allergies.

For today, I will share that our son's health improved SIGNIFICANTLY when he lost his baby teeth with silver fillings.  We live with him, so we saw the improvement right away.  It was significant and it was immediate.

Tomorrow we have dentist appointments for the 1st time since moving.  I am curious to see how Boy Wonder  reacts to the air and environment.  And, no - we will not be having fluoride treatments. 

Safe Mints - Yum Yum

I'm always on the lookout for safe treats for my family, but - especially for Nicolas and especially this time of year, the after-Christmas let down.  Long gone are the days of Christmas stockings that were filled with marshmallow Santas and holiday Snicker bars.  Pears and pomegranates replaced the corn syrup filled sugary candies.  And mints.  And Christmas was good.

In November, I found a wonderful new (to me) candy called Meltzer's Puremints.  I bought spearmint flavor.

Label says --

100% Natural, Absolutely Nothing Artificial and No Animal Products.

On the back it says:  Gluten free. Non-irradiated, no propylene glycol.  

 Although sealed in plastic wrap, I can smell these little lovlies!  WOW - they smell more than amazing.  Wow - I hafta say it again...  WOW.

I got these at Vita Source in Madison, however, I believe that Whole Foods sells them as well.  I keep them in my purse and enjoy them during church.  I love church and I love these mints.

Propylene Glycol - Good or Bad

 

Propylene Glycol. Are you familiar with this ingredient? You might be if you read labels as much as we do.

Over the last 2 years, I've realized that we use many products with chemicals and ingredients that are harmful, carcinogenic and just plain old "bad" to use. Some additives most definitely are harmful and should be avoided ALL the time, whereas others are sometimes harmful - depending on individual sensitivity and then, there are those that are only harmful in certain quantities. It's frustrating to learn that "the government" would allow and permit this to happen. But, happen it does. If you don't believe me,  go grab some of your skin care or make up products and start reading the labels. When you find an additive or ingredient that you are unfamiliar with, just look it up on your favorite search engine, or look it up at Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Data Base.

Toxic personal care products... it just doesn't sound right, and - it's not.

In fact, not only can this be frustrating, but - it can be downright discouraging. Angering. Is angering a word? It makes me mad and very, very sad. Can't ignore the truth. I can't anyway. Can you?
My big question is, " How much is too much?"  I do not have that answer.

Let's learn about propylene glycol and then decide if we can ignore this ingredient.  

Ok - so what exactly is propylene glycol anyway?
A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.  Ok, I swear I learned about this in cosmetology school back in the 80's...  duh.

Propylene glycol can commonly be found in:

• makeup
• shampoo
• deodorant
• conditioner or detangler
• styling mousse
• cleansing cream
• mascara
• soap
• skin cream
• bubble bath
• baby powder
• conditioner
• toner
• after shave
• baby wipes

Also in:

• Tire sealant
• Rubber cleaner
• De-icer
• Stain removers
• Fabric softener
• Degreaser
• Paint
• Adhesives & glues
  
• Wallpaper stripper
  

Somehow, these 2 lists do not seem to go together - and they shouldn't.  Right?

Just this week, I found propylene glycol on the label of coconut.  I made the macaroons anyway and served them at a Packer party last Sunday night.  They got rave reviews and I am not buying that coconut brand again.

This week, as I was arguing strongly discussing the ingredient tricolsan and reading labels with a friend, I found more propylene glycol.  I expect it on antibacterial soap, which is banned from our home, but - I do not want it in my coconut, just to keep it moist.  I'll get some new coconut tomorrow at Whole Foods.  Whole Foods rarely let me down!

I realize that most of us can probably handle eating propylene glycol, and most of us could use it on our skin too.  But, why would we?  Why would I want to eat natural gas?  *sigh*

For children with multiple allergies, sensitivities and other challenges, again I ask:  why would we?  During this time of "healing", I choose to limit what we are exposed to --  if I can control this exposure.

We buy and eat mostly organic food and try very hard to consume living food, raw food and pure water.  Why defeat this lifestyle with unhealthy chemical additives?  Really, I don't get it.  does this build up in our bodies?  Are there any (honest) studies showing the long term affects?  If PG is immediately absorbed and keeps things from drying out, what happens on a cellular level in our bodies and in our bloodstream?  I have never-ending questions, of course.  Why is this in wet/moist pet food?  Why are we using products with PG in them?

Wait!  I do get it!  Proplyne glycol is:

• Cheap
• Easy to make
• Easy to get
• It works - it does the job
• Someone makes money off it!

Yeah - I get it...

If I weren't so tired from trying to regain our son's health, I would go back to school and further my education so that I can understand all the "why's".  For now, I will simply continue reading labels and making the best possible decisions for my family that I can.  What else can I do?  I do not have the answer as to whether this is a good or bad additive; however, I avoid it, if I can.

It's Veteran's Day...  say a prayer for those who are serving and those who have served.

Oh Tomatillos - Where have you been?

Tomatillos.  They were new to me, until last week.  Now they are my friends.

Variety is the spice of life...  it's true.

I had never paid much (if any) attention to tomatillos in the grocery stores.  I thought they were just another type of tomato, or something...  Something is right!  They are something wonderful that my kids like to eat and this makes me very happy.

For most children and adults on the GAPS, Rotation or Feingold diets, variety is a key factor in controlling food allergies and also in promoting healing, especially in the gut.  But, let's face it, it is work. All the cooking and dishes and dishes and cooking...   and the fact that we no longer go out for dinner anymore, well, you know how it is.  Home cooking double meals each day, it's time consuming and -- it's exhausting.

So, when I find something yummy that is affordable and safe for the whole family -- I get happy.  Yep.  Happy.

We eat a lot of fresh, raw and living foods already, so this recipe was embraced and welcomed into our family as one of own.  This slightly sticky-skinned food is a bit on the lemony or tart side and the juice seems to thicken as it sets.  I swear it thickens in the fridge.  Interesting...

As far as nutritional value goes, tomatillos are low calorie, cholesterol free, low in sodium and contain magnesium* and iron.  This alone makes me a fan!

It's ridiculously easy...  only 5 ingredients in the salsa.

Portion-wise - serves 4 of us for lunch.

3 - tomatillos, cubed (sugar cube-sized)
1/2 red onion, chopped, but - not too fine
Big pinch of salt
Juice from 1/2  of a lime (lime juice)

Fresh cilantro to taste - I use about 1/4 cup

In a glass bowl, combine ingredients and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes, stirring often.  That's it.

Serve with chips.  I add black beans and rice -- and call it a side dish for Nicolas.  He eats it.  He likes it.  He does not react to it.  All good.

I know, I know, red onion can be a bit strong... BUT, wait...  something wonderful and magical happens when the fresh squeezed lime juice, tomatillos and red onions combine with the salt...  mmm.

Cost for tomatillos:  $1.19/lb.  Hubs came home with 2 lbs, which will last a long time too.

Test for ripeness:  The shell should be dry, light brownish -- at least for the green tomatillos we find in the city closest to us.  There are other varieties and colors, but - I cannot find them here in Wisconsin.

By appearance, tomatillos remind me of my grandmother's ground cherries, but - are not the same.  Not at all.  She made pies and jams out of her ground cherries.  We make salsa.

Tomatillos are called Mexican ground cherries and from the recipes I have seen, they are used in Latin American dishes/recipes.  For us, they are a safe and nutritious food for my family.

If you try these, let me know if you like them?



*Magnesium post...   ASD Experiment #1

Note - I have removed all supplements from Nicolas' diet since May, due to allergy testing.  

I am filled bursting with thankfulness, when I look back at the magnesium post and realize just how ill Nicolas was.  I knew he was ill and I remember that post clearly.  Very clearly.  Looking back, it scares me.  Yes, I am frightened to think of what could have been if I had not intervened in our son's life.  

We've made so many changes over the last 2 years, I cannot count them all...

I do plan to add some supplements back, starting in November.  We'll see how it goes.

GF-CF-CF Mac and Cheese

It's been 2 years since Nicolas has had macaroni and cheese.    I  had given up looking for cheese at least a year ago and had lost hope of ever finding cheese again, that is gluten-free, casein-free and corn-free cheese -- until just the other day...

I found a new cheese at Whole Foods, and by all label appearances --  it looked acceptable.  I was surprised. 

Bought it.  Made it.  The boy loves it!

We've had it 3 times, in small amounts and it seems to be ok.  If we are having reactions, it too hard to tell because Hubs allowed Nicolas to have communion last Sunday.  Why did that man willingly allow havoc on his son's body?  To torture me, apparently.  Oh, yes.  Yes - yes, yes...  we had issues on Monday.

Anyway, back to the glorious cheese!

 Daiya - it's...

• Cholesterol free
• Trans Fat free
• Dairy free
• Free of all animal products (Vegan)
• Free of common allergens including:
  • Dairy (casein and lactose), soy, gluten, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts (excluding coconut)
• Free of Artificial Ingredients
• Free of Preservatives
• Free of Hormones & Antibiotics

Here's our macaroni and cheese recipe.  It's delish.  I tried it.  I would voluntarily eat it.  Good stuff.

Mac n Cheese

• 2 cups cooked Tinkyada pasta, we used spirals
• 1/8 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons Wildtree Butter Flavored Grapeseed Oil
• 1 fresh, small garlic clove, pressed
• pinch of lemon  pepper and a pinch of salt
• 1  cup plain rice milk
• 1 cup shredded American Daiya Cheese

Cook pasta according to directions.  Do not overcook.

In a saucepan, cook onion in oil until tender. Add garlic and then lemon pepper and salt.

Add rice milk.

Mix and stir well.

Add cheese. Stir until melted.

Stir pasta into cheese.  

Serve immediately with lightly steamed broccoli.   This is a very flavorful buttery/garlicky/cheesy dish and it smells as good as it tastes.  Yum!

Preventing Chaos

Most of us know that it is so expensive to buy food for our kids with food allergies and intolerances.

I used to think it was hard to find food that was:

gluten-free
casein-free
corn-free
free of artificial colors, sweeteners and MSG, etc.

Oh, how we wish we could purchase everything we need from one store or retailer... or better yet, order it online from just one place!  Dreaming...

Well, back to reality.  Ain't happening.

But, I did find a website called Gluten Solutions that has some of the items we use -- and they were on sale too.  Big time! 

This muffin mix does concern me because it has xanthan gum and we usually use guar gum. but - for $1.99, I am willing to try it, and ordered only 1.

In hopes of preventing some chaos, I placed my first order, selected the least expensive shipping and got a whole box of special food for my special child!  I plan to save most of these items for upcoming events, such as birthday parties, Halloween, Thanksgiving and maybe even Christmas.

I don't  get a lot of Nick's food online anymore, although I love the $4.99 shipping option at VitaCost. I just do not like buying in bulk, since we have reactions pretty often again.

The closest city to us has a Hy-Vee grocery store, which carries many wonderful products, which are all 10% off on Thursdays.  Apparently, Thursdays is "health market day" at our local Hy-Vee.  If I am lucky, I'll go on Thursday and use a few coupons too.  Never thought I'd be a coupon clippin' mama, but- I never thought my precious child would be thrust in a world of intolerances and allergies either.

Frosting?  I've not given Nick frosting in 2 years.  Usually use fresh fruit or GF-CF chocolate chips.  Very excited to try this product, without cornstarch. 

Anyway, I am very pleased to have the foresight to prevent some chaos during the upcoming holidays, by having some special baking mixes and frosting ready.  The weather is forecasted to be cool this weekend, so I will likely bake up some cupcakes to freeze and have on hand, just in case we get invited some place special.  Nick has done remarkably well in his classes where treats and candy have been passed out.  I am so proud of how far he has come the last 2 years.

Two years ago, using Fruit Loops to play bingo with would have completely whacked him out.  He handled it today in his music class.  This is good.  I'll end on a positive note.

Adventures in Autism: CDC Vaccine Recommendations in Childhood Hits 70.....

Adventures in Autism: CDC Vaccine Recommendations in Childhood Hits 70.....: "Ding! Ding! Ding! America wins a prize!!! CDC wants your child to have 70 vaccines by the time they are 18 years old! 70! ...50 of those..."

I have been meaning to post about this...  it still shocks and disturbs me.  It's been almost 2 months since this news came out and I am still weak in the knees.  

ACIP  =  The  Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices

Now that my summer bloggie break is over, I am re-acquainting myself with the feelings of sadness, shock, disbelief and some fear.  Might as well admit it -- it's scary!

Yet...  there is still hope.  Without knowing all this "stuff",  I would be just as ignorant as the next person...  and, my real hope, my very, very real hope is in God.  Yes, all this "stuff" that we learn about is heavy - really heavy.  Using an old word -- burden...  or in this case, burdens or worries.  Or maybe even call them concerns...  whatever I call them, there is an action I take, in my heart.  I have to try to let go of the worry and ask God to take it from me.  Turn it over, let it go, turn the burden over...  it all means the same thing.

I am but a mere mortal mom and cannot carry the weight of this negativity.  I do believe that the Maker can though.  The following old hymn goes through my head sometimes.  Reminds me of when I was a child and sat next to my grandmother on Sunday mornings, in a little country church... just like you hear about. . .  and old hymns bring comfort to me.