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 Betty Cameron

I just read your email about agave nectar, I’ve been using it as my only natural sweetener because I’m prediabetic and because of it’s low glycemic index. What kind of natural sweeteners can I use now? Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

The very best sweetener for diabetics is stevia, as it has no effect on blood sugar. But, it’s not very versatile and many people don’t like the aftertaste.

My favorite sweetener at the moment is evaporated cane juice. I seem to be able to eat small amount of this without having my blood sugar rise.

My best advice to diabetics is to not eat concentrated sweeteners, but instead satisfy your desire for a sweet with fresh low-sugar fruits such as cherries, and eat them with protein or fat (such as cream) to further reduce the elevation of blood sugar. And then eat only very small amount and s-a-v-o-r every bite.

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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 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 Cindy Walker

Hi Debra,

I read the article put out about the Agave. I must say I am very disappointed. It is getting very difficult in knowing what to trust. I just perfected my pumpkin pie using Raw, unprocessed Agave Nector Blue and a lighter Agave which also, is Raw and unprocessed. I purchase these from Amazon.

My question to you: Is this the Raw unprocessed Agave contaminated as well.

Thanks for your help.

Debra’s Answer

I’m disappointed too as agave was one of my favorites.

I really don’t know about the raw agave. Part of the problem here is just lack of information. So I really can’t make any recommendation.

If you find out, please let us know.

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Question from Anne

Hello,

I’ve found a few pieces of furinture imported from China that I’m interested in purchasing. They both have a lacquer finish, even inside the drawers. Recently, when I went in to look at them, a friend mentioned that you have to be careful of this kind of finish off-gassing. When we smelled inside the drawers, there is a smell there (some of the other furniture with a different finish inside the drawers had no smell). Is this off-gassing? Is there anything I can do to seal it? Will it always be there? Any advice you can give me will help.

Thanks,

Anne

Debra’s Answer

I’ve heard to stay away from this kind of finish. I have no personal experience with this type of finish.

Readers?

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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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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 Debbie T.

I need some recommendations for a good natural and/or organic deodorant. I have been using Tom’s of Maine Long-lasting, and though it works great for some, now that summer has hit, it is not working as well for me. Anyone have any suggestions that have worked well for them? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

See Fragrance-free Deodorants and Deodorants for Teenage Son.

Readers, any other suggestions?

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