Have you ever wondered if conventional tampons and sanitary pads are safe for your body? They are put for prolonged periods of time near our reproductive organs. Imagine if they would contain toxins and other harmful substances. Considering that the vagina is one of the most absorbent parts of your body, that would be an unsettling thought…

So what do we know about conventional feminine hygiene products? If it’s according to the manufacturers; not much to nothing. Since tampons and sanitary pads are classified as ‘medical devices’, manufacturers do not have to disclose any information concerning the ingredients. Talking about the safety of tampons in public is also something that is not common, making it a topic undiscussed among the majority of its users.

In the following TEDx video the organic tampon and pad manufacturing company Yoni explains the harmful effects of conventional tampons.

The top reason to avoid conventional tampons is that they absorb everything including the bad bacteria. The usual regulation of the pH-balance through the production of fluids and good bacteria is distorted by the absorption of the tampon. This can dry out the vagina.

Also, in the production process of conventional tampons harsh chemicals and bleaching methods are used. Unfortunately, not only does the tampon absorb blood and vaginal fluids, the vagina can absorb the tampon’s ingredients e.g. chlorine bleach, too. To see what these chemicals do when they are lit on fire, check out this video! The video shows the difference between a conventional and organic menstrual pad when lit on fire… Wow!

Thirdly, when a tampon is taken out, the fibers can be left behind in the vagina. These fibers can be a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Another issue for buying conventional tampons is that it is not environmentally friendly. An average woman uses 11.000 disposable menstrual products in her lifetime. These products end up in landfills and in the ocean…

And lastly, the price of buying tampons monthly can add up quickly over a lifetime. Buying products that can be used for a longer time can save money in the long run and can help sustain a healthy environment.

So then, what is an alternative? Besides using organic tampons and pads?

An alternative: the menstrual cup.

A menstrual cup brings some extra benefits:

1. It holds up to 5 times the amount of a regular tampon.

2. Reduces chance of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) since it does not have absorbing properties (it is made from silicone) and it does not leave anything behind.

3. Chances for leaks are slimmer due to the suction between the cervix and the cup.

4. It can be used for up to 12 hours. This makes it great during sleep. (Make sure that the suction is correct before dozing off, otherwise leaking can occur!)

5. It does not strip your vagina from its natural fluids or healthy bacteria, which can dry you out.

6. Amazing for the environment and your finances: One menstrual cup can last up to 10 years!

7. You don’t have to bring extra products with you when you go for a trip.

Curious how to use a menstrual cup? Check out these 14 Steps By WikiHow.

If you have experience with the cup, feel free to share it in the comments below, or on facebook or twitter under the post!

You can buy menstrual cups online on the following websites:

The Netherlands and Belgium on this site: menstruatiecup-info.nl

In the US: shop.menstrualcup.co

In the UK: femininewear.co.uk

For further reading:

http://www.womensvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Chem-Fatale-Report.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/PatientAlerts/ucm070003.htm

https://www.change.org/p/procter-gamble-to-fully-disclose-the-ingredients-of-their-tampons-sanitary-pads

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/05/22/feminine-hygiene-products.aspx

Most of us know about omega-3 fatty acids and that they are great for our health – if we get enough of them. What most of us don’t know is why they are so important and how we can best get them. However, with the improvement of our own health we don’t want to wreck the health of the planet. Let have a look at how to get omega-3s whilst taking into account sustainability…

This is why omega-3 is important

First of all, what is the importance of omega-3s? Omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Our bodies do not produce these essential fatty acids. This means we have to obtain them from our diets or through supplementation.

There a different types of omega-3s. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that converts in the body to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In the image below the health benefits of EPA and DHA are shown.

Health benefits of omega-3

Simply put, omega-3s are highly important for our health. They are said to boost brain function, improve skin condition, promote weight loss, counter depression and promote longevity. Omega-6s are important for our health as well, but in excess they promote inflammation in the body. For a healthy state in the body, an adequate balance between these fatty acids is necessary.

In modern western diets most people do not have the right balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The ratio of omega-3s and omega-6s in the body should be around 1:1, however, in western diets it was found in a study from 2006 to be 1:16!

This means that we ingest way too much omega-6 from refined vegetable oils and processed food and not enough omega-3.

Where to find Omega-3

You can find Omega-3 in fatty fish (go for sustainable fish), algae-based foods such as nori sheets, flaxseeds (or flaxseed oil) and hempseeds (or hempseed oil) and smaller amounts in eggs, strawberry, kiwi and broccoli.

Another way to get more omega-3 is by taking supplements. These can be taken in the form of algae oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil and kril oil. We will go on further into the difference between the consequences of taking fish oil versus taking algae oil.

Fish oil is derived from the bodily tissues of oily fish. It contains the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaeonic acid (DHA). The fish -that is used as the source of the fish oil- does not produce omega-3 fatty acids but accumulates it by consuming algae directly or through prey fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids. This realization brought us to the next point…

Best choice for Omega-3: Algae Oil

What is the BEST choice?… Algae Oil!

In the documentary from 2009 called ‘At the end of the line’ the trend on global fishing is shown. It shows that there is an increasing demand for fish has lead to a shift in the ocean’s eco-systems. This shift has various hazardous effects on our planet and consequently the health of our children. Have a look at this infographic to understand overfishing in 1 minute.

Since the fish get the omega-3 from the algae, we could be taking algae instead of fishing the oceans dry! Luckily, algae are abundantly available. Algae oil is the environmentally friendly and animal friendly choice to improve your omega-3 and omega-6 balance. Why not skip the step where the fish eats the algae and simply eat the algae ourselves? Great for the world, great for you!

Tag: environment

A Common Product Most Women Use & 7 Benefits Of Using This Alternative