WHY YOUR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS SHOULD BE ORGANIC

Feminine hygiene? You're probably looking at this post thinking that it's very different to what you've been used to on the PR before; but it is something that I feel is important to talk about and will be doing much more of in the future. The foundation of my blog and youtube channel is health, wellbeing and beauty so I'm so passionate about anything that falls underneath that; this being one.

When it comes to healing from a chronic illness or condition, it's simply not enough to approach it from just one angle. The key is to address it with a holistic mindset, in order to eliminate all the factors that contribute to your condition.

Those of you that have been following me over a long period of time will already know that I have been on a journey to non-toxic, clean and eventually sustainable living. Our environment today is completely overloaded with toxic chemicals and pollution that generations passed would have never been exposed to.

Through all the research I have been doing and continue to do, I truly believe that it is this overload of chemical and toxic exposure that has contributed to the rise in chronic illness and disease that we just didn't see not that long ago.

I first came to learn about the issues around feminine hygiene products a few years ago. I came across an article that elaborated on what feminine hygiene products are made out of and what processes they go through; specifically tampons and sanitary care.

I was truly alarmed at the fact that something so close and intimate to us would be chemically treated in that way; especially when these are products that we will be using for majority of our lives and for lengthy periods of time. I also felt a little betrayed that when I came to learn that the TSS or toxic shock syndrome that the tampon boxes refer to are caused not by keeping tampons in for too long; it's caused by the chemicals the tampons are laced with.

I found it shocking that companies don't and don't have to disclose the ingredients or chemicals used on tampons or other sanitary items, so like me for years, we just assume its "just cotton,"

In actual fact, tampons and sanitary care are sometimes made with rayon which are often times bleached. The bleach used to dye the rayon releases a byproduct called dioxin which is toxic to people. Lab rats that were exposed to dioxin were said to contract cancers.

It is also widely known that tampons and pads are regularly treated with odour neutralizers aswell which are in themselves a toxic mix of artificial colours, polyester, adhesives, polyethylene [PET], polypropylene and propylene glycol [PEG]. These are all chemicals linked to hormone disruption, cancer, birth defects, dryness and infertility.

It almost comes as no surprise to me that at this moment in time that we are dealing with the high levels of infertility and issues with menstruation that we have ever seen.

The issue is not just the exposure to the chemicals, but the fact that the vagina is so effective at absorbing them. Once absorbed by the vagina, the chemicals permeate the circulation of the body.

One of the other issues that needs to be considered is that the cotton and cotton blends used in tampons and sanitary towels are sourced from agricultural soils. This means that even in it's picked form, it's already contaminated with metals and pesticides. Pesticide contamination also disrupts the vaginal microbiome and can contribute to an inability to detoxify the body effectively.

Another problem that arises in sanitary care is phthalates. These are plasticisers that are found in cosmetics, medical devices, feminine hygiene and toys. These interfere with the with the menstrual cycle when tested in animals and create problems that include abnormal development, functionality of the endocrine, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. These plastics also trap heat and bacteria, which can lead to infection. Plastic as we already know also has detrimental effect on the environment.

SO WHY GO ORGANIC?

Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides. It’s GM-free and has a naturally soft, breathable texture.

This makes it ideal for use in period care which comes into contact with the sensitive and highly absorbent vaginal area. Organic tampons are also not treated with fragrances or parfum.

Also, in limiting the impact of plastic on the environment, organic tampons use cardboard applicators that are fully biodegradable and recyclable.

Not only will you be taking control of your own health but you will also be lessening the damage done to the environment through throw away plastic.

This is where TOTM comes into play.

I can't remember where I first found out about TOTM but I remember signing up quickly because the idea of getting organic sanitary care delivered to my house was a dream.

They have such a massive range of products to choose from whether you're a tampon and sanitary type of girl, or if you're a menstrual cup kind of girl.

Taking control in the areas that seem insignificant, is an important step in healing every part of your body.

When I was pregnant with my second baby I found that I had two uterine fibroids that caused me a lot of stress and complications in both of my pregnancies. I really wonder if any of the things mentioned above have contributed to them occurring. I am due to go back to the GP to find out if since I've filtered my products and started eating 'clean', if those uterine fibroids have dissolved. Especially since I've heard so many positive stories about women who have suffered with other menstrual issues like endometriosis and PCOS who have had their symptoms eliminated through simply changing their diet.

A few years ago, I approached TOTM with the intention of doing a giveaway and finally, I'm able to do it. I have a few products and a gorgeous canvas back which reads "Be kinder to your vagina," which I believe we all need to be.

Our womb is the wellspring of life so we need to nurture it and treat it with a level of respect.

I'm also hoping that you guys would be willing to give TOTM a try. If you don't win the giveaway you can try their products using this link, as well as picking up a switch pack which is a box of one of each product so you can try them.

If you'd like to enter the giveaway, make sure you're following me on instagram so you don't miss out.

I wonder, have any of you ever considered your feminine hygiene and the effects it may have on your menstrual health? Let me know your experience below...