Aspartame

Many of us buy sugar free and “diet” options of soft drinks, desserts and chewing gums believing them to be less fattening, better for our teeth and healthier for us and our children. But what are the true costs of these artificial sweetener-laden products on our health?

Artificial sweetener, ASPARTAME or E951, is a chemical that has been used in the food industry since 1981, and so one would assume it is a safe sugar substitute with no side effects. However, unlike natural occurring sugars the body treats Aspartame as a toxin and breaks it down differently.

Aspartame has a toxic link to 3 chemicals; aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol (wood alcohol). In combination these chemicals trigger a reaction in brain chemistry that can over stimulate the nerve cells causing all manner of health problems and cell death! What is particularly disturbing is the reaction of the body to Wood Alcohol: It is broken down into a liquid solution to produce Formaldehyde.

Sodium Metabisulfite Is used as a food additive, mainly as a preservative and is sometimes identified as E number E223. It may cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to sulfites. It is also present in dilutable squashes and in candy bars.  It is commonly used in home brewing.

Aspartame is listed as causing, FATIGUE, HEADACHES, BLURRED VISION, BLINDNESS, PALPITATIONS, DIZZINESS, HEARING LOSS, SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS, MOOD CHANGES, SEIZURES, JOINT PAIN, NAUSEA, VERTIGO, TINNITUS, IRRITABILITY, DISORIENTATION, MUSCLE SPASM and is known to have triggered off MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, PARKINSON’S, ALZHEIMER’S  and BRAIN TUMOURS. 

Ultimately: Balanced nutrition and adequate hydration are vital components of good health. Eating a wide variety of fresh foods and avoiding artificial chemicals (of all kinds) in our diet (eat organic if possible) and by drinking 1 ½ to 2 litres of filtered water every day we give our bodies the essential ingredients for health, growth and repair. 

Travelling Light with Kids

With summer holidays just around the bend now is the time to start thinking about getting the suitcases out and putting aside the clothes and other holiday essentials for your trip. Now is usually the time when we start to wonder how everything will fit in the suitcase with the addition of your child’s favourite toy or the new cuddly they can’t sleep without. Below are some hints and tips to help you pack the essentials and not the kitchen sink as well.

Suitcases:

Suitcase selection - Choose carefully, use the lightest case possible that has wheels, hard cases can sometimes weigh a lot even before you start to fill them.

Two cases are better than one – If possible take two light cases rather than one, so

you can distribute the weigh more evenly.

Push, don’t pull – Many wheeled cases encourage you to pull them behind you, but

 this causes the upper body and spine to twist. Instead, push the case in front of you.

Kids Toys:

Bring a friend along – A home favourite either teddy bear, dolly or cuddly toy can provide comfort to your little one especially when sleeping in a strange bed or even flying for the first time.

Family Adventure – Take a couple of crayons and some sheets of paper to record all your travels, this can be a great way to keep your precious ones occupied while you relax a little.

Sea, Sand and Sun Safety:

Sun Protection – You don’t need numerous bottles of sun block/cream. Take one bottle of SPF 30 for adults and SPF 50 for kids and buy a new bottle out there - buying a cream the locals use is often cheaper on holiday than buying before you go, it also reduces weight in your case.

Beach Fun – Sand is a great and natural exfoliant especially for your feet, so walking along the water’s edge is great exercise and a secret beauty cheat.

Unlike most sun beds sand can be shaped to add support where you need it while relaxing.

Building sandcastles – Just like gardening remember your posture to avoid those past issues popping up and dampening your holiday.

Early Start, Leaving Late – Avoid that harassed feeling by starting your final holiday prep the day before you leave, pack the car the night before, set your alarm 20minutes earlier, and leave feeling calm and relaxed.

Flight Pillows – Long haul flights can be a pain in the neck (Literally). Travel pillows can provide support for your head and neck allowing you to relax and start your holiday off on a flying start.