Question from fairydust

I bought a mid-size, top loading freezer at a garage sale and it has a smell I need to get rid of. I have cleaned it with soap and let it air out for days. I turned it on and put baking soda in it and the smell is still there.

Any suggestions on how to get the smell out using natural products or methods?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from ib

Hello Debra,

Thank you for all your valualbe information on living a healthy life.

Is organic maple syrup safe to use as a sweetner? ib

Debra’s Answer

Maple syrup is a fine natural sweetener. I would not recommend it for diabetics as it will elevate blood sugar.

Though maple syrup is not refined, it is the boiled down sap from maple trees, so it is concentrated.

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Question from Kathy

I have hypoglycemia and use a lotion called Radiance Body Lotion by Burt’s Bees. I watch my sugar intake but sometimes I feel tired like I’ve eaten sugar. I wonder if the sugar in the lotion could be affecting me. It contains glucose (sugar), sucrose distearate (sugar emulsifier), and glucose oxidase.

Debra’s Answer

I would say the answer is YES, sugar from the lotion can be absorbed through your skin. If I needed to watch my sugar intake, I would avoid any skin products that contain sugar or any other sweetener.

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Question from Kathy

I just wanted to share this article below about raw cacao by Paul Nison.

Raw Chocolate-Harmful for your health

By Paul Nison

The latest and greatest “so-called” super food being promoted in the raw food world is raw chocolate, also known as cacao. I myself was excited when I first heard about it. But after trying it, I didn’t feel that great. I asked others how they felt after consuming cacao and there were no complaints. That was then. After a few months, I started to get more and more complaints from people who were taking cacao. It didn’t surprise me because chocolate in general is not good for us. Other than the enzyme issue, why would raw cacao be so healthy for us?

That is when I decided to do research and I found some scary facts. What’s even scarier is that people are so addicted to it, that even after learning of the high possibility of harmful effects, they keep consuming it. What concerns me the most is the amount people are eating. If someone took a pinch, let’s say once a week, then maybe they wouldn’t have to worry. When I see people being lead to believe that there are many health benefits to consuming tablespoons every day; that is just crazy!

If you are eating a raw food diet because you want to find a natural toxin that will make you feel high, then you have found a good product. Beware, because there are many downsides to it. If you are eating a raw diet for health benefits, consuming chocolate in any form should be off your list and out of your mind.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Lara

hi. i received a xylan coated waffle iron as a gift. is it safe to use? i understand that it is “healthier” than teflon.

thanks for your suggestions, lara

Debra’s Answer

Apparently Xylon and Teflon are the same polytetraflouethylene, just different brand names.

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Question from Lucy H

I have been told by an orthopedic surgeon that I need a hip replacement. Currently I am maintaining my fucntion quite well but I can imagine the time will come when I may need this surgery. How do I find a doctor and hospital that understand and can acccomodate MCS? How do I find out if I can tolerate metal or plastic in my body? Is it possible to have this surgery without general aneaethesia? What precautions do I need to take?

thank you,

Lucy H

Debra’s Answer

Readers with MCS, any advice for this woman regarding surgery?

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Question from Marissa

We just moved into a house with new kitchen appliances. The stove has a ceramic cooktop and came with a small bottle of cleaner made by Whirlpool (also the maker or the stove). Judging from the smell alone I doubt its non-toxic. It list only one ingredient, citric acid. It has a caution warning for eye irritant. I read on here that cream of tartar might work and would like some more suggestions. Where do you get cream of tartar? I’m new to the non-toxic, green stuff so any help would be appreciated!

Debra’s Answer

Citric acid is fine. It’s just vitamin C. So go ahead and use it if there are no other harmful ingredients. And when you’ve used up that bottle, replace it with vitamin C.

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Question from Martha

I travel at least once a month with my husband and toddler. All of our family lives out of state so we make use of my husband’s flight benefits (he works for an airline). As I’m very picky about the foods my toddler eats (no airport food) I bring along yogurt, milk in a thermos, fruit and the like. I usually have to check some of the food because of security. Does anyone know how the X-Rays affect the food? I’ve done some research and find that it’s a very low amount. However I’d like to know if it’s damaging his food and whether my good intentions are actually detrimental.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know anything about this, though my readers might. I would say though, that he (and you) needs to eat something, and your food exposed to x-rays would be infinitely better than the airplane food exposed to x-rays or airport food.

Readers, any info on this?

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Question from PJ

Dear Debra,

I’d like to know what the current version of Calgon water softener is made from and if it is a safe and effective cleaner for hard water deposits. Can you help me? I can’t find information about the current version, just the older version, which I believe contained sodium hexametaphosphate. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I went to the Calgon website and called their 800 number. They told me the ingredients are salt, polymer, thickener and fragrance. Hmmmmm…it used to be sodium hexametaphosphate and fragrance. Since the active water softening ingredient here is salt, I would just use the cheapest salt you can find.

I’m not sure salt alone would be effective to remove hard water deposits. It does soften water. Readers, any ideas for removing hard water deposits?

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Question from TB

Hello again,

I have 2 children diagnosed on the autism spectrum with high levels of metals in their systems…some of which may have come from the flame retardant chemicals used on bedding and pajamas.

We are expecting our third child and I would like to know the name of a website where I can purchase non-toxic, non-offgassing furniture as well as mattresses, bedding, pajamas, and clothing that would be the healthiest (ie: without chemicals and flame retardants) for my children to wear, especially the newborn.

Please help as soon as possible…

Debra’s Answer

There are many websites listed at Debra’s List: Babies & Kids which sell these items.

Readers, what are your favorite websites for natural baby bedding and clothing?

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