Hi friends. I hope and pray that you are well. I’ve missed you. Lately, I’ve been hiding as we navigate through some crazy terrain. I’m sorry I haven’t been very active on my social media pages or blog these past few weeks. Life has been slapping me in the face, and I’m still a bit red and bruised, so I’ve chosen to hide as I … Continue reading I almost Died – Sunday Ramblings & Reflections
Have you lived or worked in a water damaged building? Did you know that mycotoxins and other contaminants can decrease the formation of glutathione? In this short video I’m discussing the following things: 1.How do low levels of glutathione impact our health? 2. Life begins in the cell. 3.What happens when we are exposed to toxic mold, pesticides, pollution and other toxins? 4.Why is glutathione … Continue reading Why should you care about oxidative stress? Do Mycotoxins affect glutathione levels?
The press release below is shared with the permission of Dr. Claudia Miller. SAN ANTONIO – Could your new home with its fresh paint, carpet and cabinets, as well as pesticides used around the place, cause a range of illness due to chemical intolerance?A new paper provides a long-awaited link between exposures to common chemicals and so-called unexplained illnesses. It also for the first time … Continue reading New paper provides a link between common chemicals and ‘unexplained’ chronic illnesses
Sticky post
I really enjoyed watching this video on how mycotoxins deplete our glutathione (GSH). This is one of the reasons why many of us mold injured people go on to develop chemical intolerances, mast cell issues, autoimmune and neuroimmune conditions. The video discusses how microphage function is compromised by low glutathione, how glutathione is responsible for protecting cell membranes, removing toxins and so much more. “The … Continue reading Toxic Mold Exposure and Glutathione Depletion = Chronic Illness
I’m so happy when I can share good news and give hope. Today is one of those days. Many of you know that I’ve been struggling with my health ever since my prolonged toxic mold exposure in a sick building where I worked for eight years. Leaving that building and working on mold and chemical avoidance was and still is the most important thing that … Continue reading We Haven’t Felt This Energetic In Years – A Sweet Testimony & A Bit About Glutathione
Sticky post
The loss and constant suffering of mold illness and chemical injury can feel like you are constantly in and out of funerals. You bury one loss only to find that there is yet another one that you have to bury. Month after month, year after year, these losses can leave you feeling heartbroken, angry, and lonely. The loss of not being able to have children.The … Continue reading Sunday Thoughts on the Losses We Experience Due to Mold Illness & Chemical Injury
Sticky post
I can’t pretend that I have a perfect marriage, nor can I say that we have always handled everything thrown at us with grace and patience. We’ve tried, but we’ve failed and started over so many times.Truth be told, we have fallen flat on our faces. We have quit, screamed, cried, walked away, and felt broken. With my husband and me, our health journey started … Continue reading Random Thoughts on Marriage, Mold Toxicity & Faith
Sticky post
The other night I was in a group chat with a few of my sweet friends. These are moms who have been affected by toxic mold and chemicals. We were discussing how frustrating it is when people make snarky comments because you look good but all the while they are trying to downplay your illness.So as a joke, I said I would make us … Continue reading New Tee Shirt for Chronical Illness Warriors – “I Don’t Feel as Good as I look.”
Healing takes time, be gentle with yourself, and don’t compare yourself to others. Not everyone who says they are an expert in a field knows what they are talking about, so do your due diligence. Beware of professionals in any given field who have a hidden agenda or hold money, power, and status as their God. Toxic mold and other toxins in our environment can … Continue reading Random Saturday Thoughts – Health & Hope
Sticky post
No matter what you do or how you do it, there will always be people who will criticize you, speak ill, and share false information about you. It’s been my bread and butter for quite some time, and it sucks. In the early years, I remember being at church gatherings and watching people gossip and snicker about me and downplay my health situation. I also … Continue reading Mind Your Words When Talking With Or About Someone with Illnesses You Don’t Understand
Sticky post
Hi friends. How often do you find that it is hard to express just how strong a friend or family member’s perfume is or how awful their fabric softener makes you feel? What does it mean when someone says that you are masked and unmasked? I dive into these topics and more my latest YouTube video. I’m discussing: – How is a person masked and … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Be Masked & Unmasked in Regards to Fragrances & Toxic Mold
Sticky post
May is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month. MCS is also known as Environmental Illness, Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance, and Environmentally Acquired Illness. In Spanish, it is referred to as Sensibilidad Química Multiple and or Intolerancia Ambiental. This illness can be brought on after a toxic injury. Many people develop it after one significant exposure or after multiple exposures. Exposure to construction chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, … Continue reading May Is MCS Month-Why Do We Call Ourselves Canaries?-English/Spanish Post
Sticky post
If you’re suffering from mold toxicity and are wondering if doing a mold test in your home will be enough, this video is for you. I’m chatting about the following things: ➡️Beware of mold assessors and remediation companies that say mold cannot make you sick or that it can ONLY affect those with compromised immune systems. ➡️Mold Testing isn’t enough and will never be enough. … Continue reading Mold Testing Isn’t Enough, Mold Misinformation & More
Sticky post
I’m growing really tired of hearing that exposure to toxic mold cannot affect you. In today’s video, I share a bit of my frustration with people who don’t believe the truth about toxic mold exposure. I share a few studies that discuss how mold and mycotoxins can cause certain conditions. Links to those studies are provided below. I share some of the symptoms we had … Continue reading Mold, Mycotoxins & Mitochondrial Dysfunction, PANS & Mold Exposure, Autism & Antifungals + More.
Sticky post
I created a video to share the connection between my toxic mold exposure and going on to develop chemical sensitivities and intolerances. Please note that toxic mold exposure is NOT the only cause of MCS but it does seem to play a big part in many women I know and have interviewed. In this, video I talk about the importance of sleeping in a clean … Continue reading The Connection Between Toxic Mold and MCS
Sticky post
Like people, homes, and walls breath, a structure may have no visible signs of mold growth but could still have high levels of encapsulated toxic mold. Because all walls breathe, anything within the wall cavity can be released into the ambient air. Dust, mold, and even dust mite feces are just a few of the things that can come through the walls in any dwelling. … Continue reading Tight Homes, Encapsulated Mold and Faulty Air Sampling
I made a quick video where I’m chatting about: -Contaminated mail and opening packages outside. -Are library books safe? -Can one contaminated item cause disabling symptoms? -Some people may think you’re crazy. -Can friends and family gift you things from their moldy and or fragranced home? -We must have a detective mentality. -Is thrifting safe? -Most homes in my area have toxic mold issues, not … Continue reading How to manage moldy packages, library books, thrifting, your safe space and more.
Yesterday evening after work I was chatting with a few Instagram friends. I was asked a few questions on leaky gut, food intolerances, and toxic mold. Since I can’t always answer direct messages I decided to answer everyone’s questions via a video. If you’ve been exposed to toxic mold or you know someone who has been exposed to toxic mold, this is a video you’ll … Continue reading Mold Exposure, Leaky Gut & Food Intolerances Oh My!
Sticky post
Can we all agree that medical facilities and wellness practitioners should stop using toxic air fresheners and fragranced products inside their offices? My husband was gifted some nutritional IVs by a sweet friend. Although I wanted to go with him and have an IV alongside him, I could not because overpowering signature scents are used throughout the facility. The owner of the IV facility purposefully … Continue reading Wellness Practitioners Using Toxic Air Fresheners & Fragranced Products?
I’m so excited to let you know about this amazing company. Just before New Year’s, I received the coolest box of fragrance-free soaps from Canary Whiskers Soap Company. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to receive. Having tried several fragrance-free soaps before and having been sorely let down I honestly didn’t have high expectations. Fast forward a few weeks and oh my word. … Continue reading This is Best Fragrance Free Soap I’ve Ever Tried
Sticky post
Over 18 years ago, when I started coaching and teaching about herbs, healthy living, and healthy eating, almost everyone in the health and wellness industry was pushing detoxification. Detox smoothies, detox supplements, and detox foot baths were slowly making an entrance to the health world. As I started to get sick from toxic mold and chemical exposure (14 years ago) I quickly realized that making … Continue reading Drainage Then Detox – Why The Order Matters
Sticky post
Happy New Year friends! 2020 has been another hard and crazy year for so many of us. Today I just wanted to share a bit about our year, where we are right now, and what we’re hoping for. A decade and a half ago, if someone had told me that I would go on a crazy mold and chemical avoidance journey and that my family … Continue reading Happy New Year
Sticky post
It’s my birthday week, guys. Man has this year been rough. From hidden homelessness again to losing my belongings for a third time due to toxic mold to caring for sick family members and going backward in my healing journey… it’s been another challenging year for sure. I always dread birthdays because they are a reminder of the years I’ve lost due to toxic mold … Continue reading Birthday Wishes & Fun Facts About Me
Today I’ll be sharing comments and answers from the audience regarding the most important thing they wish people around them would understand about their illness. Below are the articles I mentioned in today’s podcast. Things to keep in mind when you are visiting someone with Chemical Intolerances & Sensitivities How To Reduce and Avoid Problematic Exposures for Chemically Sensitive Individuals and Toxicant Induced Loss of … Continue reading What We Wish People Understood About Our Invisible Disability-Podcast Episode 5
Sticky post
I hope you’ll listen to today’s podcast. This is a great episode to share with family and friends. Below are just a few of the things I touch on during today’s episode:-Friends being resentful because of your illness.-Spouses not believing a condition is real.-Friends and family getting offended because of your illness and your need for accommodation.-Losing friendships is a sad reality.-Loved ones should first … Continue reading How are relationships affected by Mold Illness & EI/TILT Podcast Episode 4
Sticky post
Hi there! Episode three of Chemical Free Gal’s Podcast is now live. I didn’t know that mold was the cause of my health problems until it was too late. No one told me when I was young, healthy, and vibrant, that mold could annihilate me and leave me sick for years. I wish I would have known then what I know now. If you or … Continue reading Could Your Environment Be Making You Sick? Podcast Episode 3
Sticky post
Hi, friends welcome to episode 2 of Chemical Free Gal’s Podcast. Today, I’ll be answering the following question I received from a subscriber. “Why is it that someone injured by toxigenic mold and or chemicals can be somewhat OK one moment and experiencing anaphylaxis, dizziness, vomiting, immobility, and pain the next minute?” Listen in below to hear the answer. I’ll also be commenting on the … Continue reading OK Today But Incapacitated Tomorrow? Q&A Podcast Episode 2
Sticky post
Anne Steinemann PhD has just released some fantastic journal articles regarding fragranced product emissions, essential oils, exposures, and their effects on health. I’m sharing them below with her permission. Be sure to check them out and share them with others. (1) The Fragranced Products Phenomenon: Air Quality and Health, Science and Policy*Obtain a Copy of the Article (2) Pandemic Products and Volatile Chemical EmissionsObtain a … Continue reading New Publications on fragranced product emissions, essential oils, exposures, and their effects on health by Anne Steinemann PhD.
Sticky post
Hi guys! I wanted to invite you to join me each Saturday for my new podcasts. Come hang out with me as I share about chemical intolerances (TILT/MCS), toxigenic mold, chemical-free living, Neuroimmune Illnesses, toxins in the news, healthy eating, and delicious recipes, faith, prayer and so much more. My goal with this new podcast is to educate, inspire, encourage, and promote change via awareness. … Continue reading Chemical Free Gal’s New Podcast Episode 1
Sticky post
If you enjoy spiced oatmeal, you are going to love this recipe. Making a supercharged hot oatmeal beverage has carried me on days where a sit-down breakfast simply isn’t possible. If it’s late and I’m feeling a little hungry, I love making a spiced hot oatmeal beverage. It’s something my sweet Italian and Latin American grandmother would make for me when I lived abroad. She … Continue reading You Have to Make This Pink Spiced Hot Oatmeal Drink – Dairy Free-Gluten Free & So Yummy
Hi guys! As promised, today is the day you get to purchase items from the Official Chemical Free Gal™ merchandise storefront. I’ve done a few collaborations with our sister store CYRACARO so be sure to check out those items as well. The Chemical Free Gal™ storefront will focus on raising awareness through fashion for Invisible Illnesses and the need for clean air. It will highlight … Continue reading Today Is Launch Day! (Grab 15% off NOW) on Official Chemical Free Gal™ Merch
This Friday, June 5th, 2020, a new line of official Chemical Free Gal™ merchandise for men and women will be available for purchase. In the future, I will also have items for children too. I’m so excited as this is something I’ve wanted to do for several years now. Quietly, I’ve been designing and putting some creativity alongside my passion for those who are sick over … Continue reading New Line of Clothing Highlights Fragrance & Chemical Sensitivity
Sticky post
Hello, world. How’s everyone doing amidst this pandemic? Things sure have turned into an absolute circus lately, and I worry that those of us who already had limited access to many establishments will be forced even farther away as businesses employ the use of stronger chemicals and fragranced cleaners to sanitize surfaces and restrooms. Dealing with the increase of chemicals and fragrances used indoors is … Continue reading Sample Letter for Establishments Using Air Fresheners and Fragranced Products
Sticky post
When I first learned about fire cider as a teenager, I envisioned a dragon breathing out fire. Something about the name made me feel as if it was some magical drink that would make one breathe out fire. So what exactly is fire cider? Fire cider is a tonic made by infusing herbs, fruits, and spices in apple cider vinegar. Although the name was originally … Continue reading Have You Made Fire Cider? Check Out This Easy Recipe
Sticky post
I just wanted to take a moment to encourage you during these crazy times that we’re going through. I’ve been trying to write this post for the last two weeks but haven’t been feeling well enough to do so. I had a bad chemical and mold exposure that pushed me over the edge and the myalgia and nerve pain were extremely overwhelming. Thankfully this week … Continue reading Look For The Helpers – Reflections Amidst The Coronavirus Pandemic
Sticky post
I’ve been getting some messages about how to make hand sanitizers. Although I do believe they can be helpful in certain circumstances, I’m a bit hesitant to share this information because hand sanitizers shouldn’t replace proper handwashing. Also, hand sanitizers can be made incorrectly giving you a false sense of security. Right now people are going crazy making hand sanitizers using Vodka which doesn’t have … Continue reading Two Ingredient Fragrance Free DIY Hand Sanitizer
Sticky post
I’m going to get real for a little because I know so many families going through similar struggles and I want to share a little about what we’ve gone through these past 19 months. Although my mold saga started 14 years ago (click here and here to read about my story) we were doing well and avoiding mold and chemicals as best as we could. … Continue reading Searching for a Mold Free Home – Mold Chronicles
Sticky post
Many families won’t have gifts or decorations or special treats during the holidays. Some won’t even have a home to live in. Instead of searching for Black Friday deals on toys or gadgets they’ll be searching for a place to pitch up a tent or a vacant room in someone’s home if they can tolerate it. Some families will be forced to camp outdoors in … Continue reading A Struggle Endured By Many Yet Understood By Few – Mold Chronicles
Sticky post
In this post, I would like to talk about some of the things that people go through after they are injured by chemicals, toxic mold, and other toxins inside of water-damaged buildings. I also want to share helpful tips for friends and family members of those who are suffering through a series of impossible illnesses. I say impossible because it seems almost impossible that hidden toxins can destroy … Continue reading What Does It Feel Like To Get Sick From Mold/Chemicals and How Can Friends and Family Offer Support
Sticky post
This article was created with the clinician and the patient in mind. It is a comprehensive resource that can be useful for medical practitioners and patients alike, to learn how they can better reduce and or avoid problematic exposures. Those of us who have been injured by chemicals and or toxic mold know first hand what it feels like to be exposed to something problematic. … Continue reading How To Reduce and Avoid Problematic Exposures for Chemically Sensitive Individuals and Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance Sufferers
Today I wanted to share a short and concise video created by Dr. Jill Crista where she discusses 16 mold facts that you need to know if you’ve been exposed to a water-damaged building. “Dr. Jill Crista is the author of international bestseller Break The Mold, an invaluable resource book for people affected by exposure to mold. Dr. Jill earned her Naturopathic Doctor Degree with … Continue reading Mold Facts You Need To Know by Dr. Jill Crista
Watch an interview done with Dr. Anne Steinemann on chemical sensitivities and how it is affecting thousands of Australians. This condition is also known as Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance. For more media coverage of Dr. Anne Steinemann’s research please click on the links below. Newspaper and Magazine Articles; Television and Radio Programs ABC Radio Sydney August 17, 2018 3AW Radio July 9, 2018 Sunday … Continue reading Chemical Sensitivity: The Illness Crippling People, Dismissed By Doctors – Dr. Anne Steinemann Media Coverage
Fungal and bacterial growth inside ductwork is a common problem, especially in high humidity areas. AC ductwork that is incorrectly installed can also cause mold growth issues. Over the years I have spoken to quite a few HVAC contractors, hygienists, and remediators and I’ve learned that mold in ductwork is a standard problem. It’s important to note that any issue in your home that will … Continue reading Moldy Air Conditioning Ducts – Do You Know What To Do?
A few months back Dr. Anne Steinemann sent me some of her new studies. I am posting below, with her permission what she sent me. These studies were conducted in collaboration with some of her students and colleagues and are worth looking at. Please feel free to share with others! Knowledge is power. (1) Fragranced baby products (both regular and “green”) – nearly all products emitted chemicals classified as hazardous, with … Continue reading New Studies by Dr. Anne Steinemann on Fragranced Baby Products, Essential Oils, Indoor Air Quality & More
“One of the hallmarks of integrative medicine is to focus on determining the underlying causes of chronic illnesses for patients, not just to treat symptoms. This has led many practitioners of integrative medicine to use testing that helps provide more personalized care protocols to their patients. It is the duty of diagnostic laboratories to deliver the most accurate test results possible and provide interpretations of … Continue reading Better Detection/Treatment for Mold Exposure (Oct 2018) Townsend Letter, Alternative Medicine Magazine
I get so excited when I find out about new studies! The medical nerd in me jumps up and down. Why all the excitement? Well, today I received an email from Dr. Anne Steinemann telling me about a new study that just came out on the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivities in the United States. The study found that the prevalence of diagnosed MCS has … Continue reading March 2018 Study Finds That One in Four Americans Suffer When Exposed to Common Chemicals
Why should you care about toxins in consumer products and environmental pollutants? Can you become sick from the everyday use of consumer personal products? Is it true that components in essential oils can emit hazardous air pollutants and also react with ozone in the air and create VOC’s like formaldehyde? What percentage of chronic diseases are caused by indoor air pollutants? Are baby products and … Continue reading Hidden Hazards In Common Consumer Products & Their Effect On Indoor Environments & Health – Dr. Anne Steinemann Lecture
Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la The Christmas season is definitely my favorite time of year. It is a time to celebrate the beauty of life. A time to bless and be blessed. A time of prayer and reflection. In the spirit of the upcoming season I’ll share some lines I … Continue reading To Tree Or Not To Tree – A Look Into The Hidden Chemicals In Artificial & Real Christmas Trees
Sticky post
I am amazed at the number of people I run into who recommend I try Aveda products because of their safety and purity. Without going too far into dissecting all of their products and telling you which ones use GMOs and which ones have bad ratings by the Environmental Working Group I will just focus on one ingredient, FRAGRANCE aka Essence, Parfum, Aroma. In all … Continue reading Get The Skinny On Toxic Fragrances in Aveda & Other Beauty Products
What is happening in Texas with Hurricane Harvey is so sad and concerning. My prayers are with them during this difficult time. In the back of my mind I cant stop thinking about all of the fungal and bacterial growth that is going to take over the flooded areas. This is a huge concern for Texas right now. It is not something to be taken … Continue reading Hurricane Flooding Will Cause Major Mold Issues in Water Damaged Buildings and Homes – How Do You Clean Up? – Is Mold Dangerous?
Chemical Free Gal™ 