Chemical Free Swimming Pools, Jacuzzi and Salt Spa Hot Tubs – A Healthy Choice for Families

Millions of people worldwide drink tap water containing chemical chlorine and swim or soak in pools, hot tubs and spas that use chlorine as a disinfectant. Chlorine, a manufactured chemical, was first used to make the deadly mustard gas during the First World War Ever since chlorine was modified to be used for domestic purposes; more researchers are discovering that the chemical poses a serious health risk to humans and the environment. Research conducted in the U.S., Canada, Norway, Australia, and Belgium has linked chlorine byproducts found in swimming pools to increased rates of bladder cancer, lung damage, asthma, stillbirths, and miscarriages.

HEALTHY CHLORINE ALTERNATIVES: SALT CHLORINATORS

Rather than continuing to use harmful chemical pool and spa hot tub products, many people are turning to a natural way to keep their swimming pool, spa and hot tubes clean and healthy. Salt Chlorinators are an efficient alternative that is fast becoming a healthier choice. Salt water sanitization systems are a natural way to keep your water crystal clear and well-sanitized.

HOW A SALT WATER CHLORINATOR WORKS

The salt water chlorinator contains a salt cell. The gentle saline water is sanitized through a special process called electrolysis. The salt makes the water conductive so that electricity can pass between plates contained within the salt cell. As the water passes between the plates, electrolysis occurs, triggering a chemical reaction which releases chlorine from the salt. By adding small quantities of a granulated salt that is much like table salt, common chlorine is created. During the process, the chlorine is eventually converted back to salt. Therefore, the salt does not become depleted so you only need to top it off once or twice a year.

BENEFITS

A salt water chlorinator automatically keeps your pool water continuously sanitized and healthy. You will no longer have to store chlorine packages, shock treatment products, or algaecides, which can be a safety hazard for children and pets. The lower level of chlorine and natural salt in the pool system eliminates sore and burning red eyes, green hair, skin irritation, and overpowering chlorine odors. You will also feel refreshed and your skin will retain its soft texture. In other words, you will not feel like you just took a bath in chemical soup.

Some frequently asked questions...


Won’t the salt rust out the equipment?

No, the salt will not damage the equipment any more than chemicals. Equipment wears out with normal use. Its wear is no different than other equipment. In some cases, it is even better then when chlorine or bromine tablets are used due to their tendency to lower the total alkalinity and pH which makes the water corrosive.



I have been told that this will affect my warranty?

This is common sales pitch for the purchase of chemicals. Saltwater chlorination will not have an unusually high negative impact on your equipment then chemicals and therefore it should not affect the warranty. Since the water is still considered fresh water, it is compatible with all standard pool equipment (pumps, filters, heaters, ionisers, etc.)

Is this like swimming in the ocean?

No, the seas and oceans have about 20,000 parts per million (ppm) of salt in the water, while a saltwater pool has only about 3000 parts per million salt. At 3000 ppm, you generally can barely even taste the salt. In fact, the water is less salty than your tears. Any water under 6000 ppm is still considered fresh water.

Does it change the colour of the water?

No, there is no change to the water colour. In fact the water is crystal clear. A salt system gives your pool the best water quality you have ever seen.

Does it leave the same skin feeling and smell as chlorine or bromine systems?

No, and this is another benefit of the salt system. Many pool and spa owners dislike that strong smell of chemicals after a leisurely spa or swim, this system leave your skin felling smooth and fresh with no appreciable after-smell.

I assume that you power this unit from a 120 V ac source? Can you leave it in the hot tub while you are using it?

Yes, you can plug it into a GFCI (Ground Fault Control Interrupter) 120v plug-in while it is in the hot tub/spa or pool. It is meant to run 24/7.

"The ColorChlor requires a GFCI protected 120VAC outlet. Even though the ColorChlor power supply is weatherproof it is highly recommended to keep it in a water tight enclosure. Water proof components are available at most hardware stores." ColorChlor 4 - TechniChlor Operation Manual


Where does the salt go?

We add granulated salt (looks a lot like table salt, but without any additives) directly to the pool or through the skimmer. The salt quickly dissolves in the pool or spa water.

Will I save money?

Since you are not using processed packaged pool chlorine and other chemicals, it will save money in the long run. However, the alluring reason to go with a saltwater pool and spa system is because of the water clarity and fantastic water quality.


What affect will it have on the environment?

The environment will appreciate that you are using common everyday elements: water, salt, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. There are no concentrated harsh strong smelling chemicals going into the environment.

What kind of salt can I use? I already have pool salt, can I use it?

Yes, pool salt and any other salts that do contain additives can be used. Regular free flow table salt may contain iodine and therefore should not be used. Check the label to see if it contains iodine before using. Canning and pickling salt along with rock salt used for making home made ice cream can also be used. Himalayan salt is also an excellent option.

How does it work?

Here is a basic explanation. Remember your high school chemistry class? What you are using is NaCl (salt/sodium chloride) in water. Through electrolysis the saltwater chlorinator separates out the salt (Na) sodium and leaving behind the chlorine (Cl). As a result you have salty water that has been chlorinated.

When your ready to experience the difference in soaking in a sea of health, visit solaywellness.com

Clay Pot Cooking Recipes

VEGETARIAN CHILI

6-qt clay pot - organic vegetables, herbs, etc.

saute olive oil for about 10 minutes to bring out flavor of the following:

2 cups (total) chopped herbs & onions (cilantro, basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, green onions, regular onions

3 cups (total) chopped zucchini, yellow squash

1 vegetarian bouillon cube (2 oz.)

Add:
1 - 28 oz. can organic diced undrained tomatoes (or use fresh chopped organic tomatoes)
1 - 16 oz. can organic diced undrained tomatoes
1 - 16 oz. can organic tomato sauce
3 - 15-16oz. cans undrained Eden organic beans - black beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans

1 cup vegetarian broth (I use Pacific)
2 cups chopped shitake mushrooms

Bring to a boil, and then on low or simmer - for 1 1/2 hours

After finish cooking and pot is turned off, THEN add Solay himalayan crystal salt (2 tsp. according to taste), 1 tbsp. chanterele seasoning, 1 tsp. (total) of cayenne, cracked black pepper, paprika and turmeric) - and 8 crushed cloves of garlic.


Let sit so spices, salt and garlic to take flavor to the chili (I like to chomp on a fresh crushed clove of garlic when eating the chili. We usually add more cayenne - we like it hot and spicy.)

(If after you notice that there is too much broth, use a ladle and scoop some and save, for when the chili sits and gets cold - you will need to add the broth, since it will thicken. Some people like their chili very thick - then you can use the extra broth for a casserole, or as a soup.)

Serve with your choice of crackers, or croutons, (we like ours with a heafty scoop of white or brown basmati rice.

To make a smaller pot, just half the recipe - I like to make a big pot, for it is so good and nutritious.



Margie

Austins Famous Popcorn Recipe

Like salt, popcorn has gotten a bad reputation as a snack. I thought
that on account of this, and of the release of the latest Star Trek
movie, which everyone - trekker and non-trekker alike - should see, I
would post my perfect vegan popcorn recipe. - Austin

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp cooking oil - safflower, canola, peanut, something with a high smoke-point
  
• 1/3 Cup high-quality popcorn kernels
  
• 1/4 stick (3-4 tbsp) butter or butter substitute, such as Smart Balance
  
• Himalayan salt
  

Procedure

• Heat the oil in a 3-quart saucepan, along with three kernels.
  
• When the kernels pop, add the remaining kernels in an even layer, cover the pan, and remove it from the heat for 30 seconds.
  
• Return the pan to the heat, and allow popping to start. Keep the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape. Gently move the pan while popping continues.
  
• When popping slows, remove the lid, and dump the popcorn into a big bowl.
  
• Heat the butter or butter substitute in the pan, and add the salt.
  
• Pour it over the popcorn and mix.
  

Using a butter substitute and the highest quality Himalayan salt ensures a tasty snack that won't leave you feeling sluggish afterward. You don't want to know what movie theater popcorn has in it, and the scientists who studied microwave popcorn resigned in fear. Make this relatively healthy popcorn and enjoy. Peace and long life!

Whats in Your Water

One of the reasons for this is that Americans pride themselves in having very high quality water from every tap and assume that all water is the same. A thorough study of water in America and the world in general tells a different story. A few well-placed hours on the Internet show that the world is in an unprecedented water quality crisis as well as water shortage. Depending on what part of the country one lives in, it is easy to find trace amounts of chlorination byproducts, organics, nitrates, pesticides, heavy metals, radioactive compounds, petrochemicals and parasites coming from the local municipal water supply. If you get your water from a private well, all of these contaminants except for the chlorination byproducts can be present.

Toxins
The toxins and free radicals in these waters are made significantly more toxic to humans by the addition of chlorine -- a compound mandated by the public health department. The Environmental Protection Agency now reports that individuals who drink and bath in chlorinated surface waters (i.e., water from lakes, rivers and shallow wells) have a 50% greater likelihood of getting cancer in their lifetime.[1] [2] Even if you think you are safe because you drink bottled water, you may be surprised to learn that one can absorb up to 600% more contaminants in your body in a ten-minute shower than in all the water consumed in a day.[3]

MTBE
In January 2000, Sixty Minutes, the investigative TV program, reported that as many as 100 million Americans were drinking water contaminated with MTBE, a gasoline additive that has been leaching into our water supplies since 1992. MTBE is believed to cause cancer in concentrations as low as 10 parts per billion and unfortunately local water companies are helpless to remove it. Because of such contaminants, two out of every five households now have a water filter or drink bottled water, as will be discussed later, with no assurance of safety. The problem is that the average consumer and even most medical professionals do not know what is the best way to treat water or the best source of water to drink.

To better understand the importance of water in maintaining optimum health and what the best source of water for your family's health is, read The Forgotten Secret of Health.

When your ready to purchase the best water filtration systems for your shower, sink or house, visit Solay Wellness to learn more http://www.natural-salt-lamps.com/water-filtration-salt-chlorination.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1] “Cancer Incidence and Trihalomethane Concentrations in the Public Drinking Water System”, George L. Carlo. American Journal of Public health, Vol. 74, No. 5, 1984, pp. 479-484.

[2] “Organic Chemical Contaminants in Drinking Water and Cancer”, American Journal of Epidemiology, Vo. 110, 1979, p.420.

[3] “Showers Pose a Risk to Health”, Ian Anderson, New Scientist, 9/18/86.

HOME PAGE

Salt Confusion

(NaturalNews) Salt is currently considered a leading culprit for high blood pressure and other health problems. This is based on the premise that a high sodium intake creates high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks, arterial, and kidney problems. Salt is high in sodium. But sodium is essential for proper absorption of other major nutrients and functioning of nerves and muscles, as well as being necessary for balancing water and minerals in the body.

Lately there have been studies that strongly question the research on sodium hazards, as well as the recommended maximum sodium intakes from that research. There has been a survey in New York, conducted over several years on hypertension prone locals, which showed that those with high sodium intakes had proportionately less heart attacks than those who were put on low sodium diets! And now there are even MD`s who claim that the right type of salt, unrefined, has more health benefits than health hazards.

A major confusion is that only refined commercial and household salt is known as salt to most of medical science and consumers. It is the most prevalent, by far. Refined salt, stripped of its natural mineral structure, is virtually all sodium. As a matter of fact, it is 97% to 99% sodium! That`s why it is called Sodium Chloride. Processed foods are laced with Sodium Chloride refined salt as well as with other types of sodium, such as sodium benzoate, sodium nitrate, and the notorious monosodium glutamate (MSG). So if you are concerned about your sodium levels, then cut out processed foods!


Part of the process for refined salt, or commercial table salt, involves the use of aluminum, ferro cyanide and bleach. These are all toxic materials that your body takes in with refined, commercial salt. And because of that process, almost all the vital minerals that real, unrefined salt can offer are removed! One or two servings of refined salt won`t send you to the grave. But continued almost daily use will avail you to the perils of aluminum toxicity. Ferro cyanide is listed by the EPA as a toxic material for human consumption. You are probably aware of the hazards to human health of chlorine, which is used to bleach the salt.

There's more on aluminum toxicity here: www.hbci.com/~wenonah/hydro/al.htm

According to Dr. David Brownstein, author of Salt Your Way to Health, unrefined salt is an excellent detoxification aid, as well as a provider of mineral nutrients in a naturally bio-available balance. There are usually around 80 minerals and essential trace elements in unrefined, organic salt. Soil grown food is lacking in many of these because the soil has been depleted of trace elements and minerals. Some of the major minerals included with unrefined salt are: Magnesium (a very essential metabolic agent), calcium, potassium, and sulfate. Obviously, sodium is present also, but it comprises only 50% of the total mineral content rather than the 99% sodium in refined table salt.

Regular consumer table salt, refined, sometimes has iodine added in order to promote thyroid health. Dr. Brownstien has devoted a good deal of his practice and research on thyroid and glandular health. He says there is less iodized salt now than before, and the amount of iodine in iodized salt is insufficient for optimum thyroid health anyway. Iodine is an important agent for glandular health, and it is also scarcely present in our food anymore. Unless you eat a lot of seafood and roll the dice with mercury!

Dr. Brownstein strongly advocates the use of unrefined, organic salt with iodine supplements, preferably a combination of potassium iodide and iodine. He maintains that these two dietary items contribute largely toward optimum endocrine health, which is vital for a strong immune system.

Unrefined salt has a distinctively different look from refined salt. It is usually too course to be used in salt shaker. You may want to invest in a salt grinder. And it is usually not very white. Off white is more common, even pink or gray for unrefined pure salt. The extreme white of common household or commercial salt is a result of bleaching. But buyer beware, some so called sea salts offered on line and especially in health food stores are at least partially processed. Avoid sea salt that is too white and too fine as a rule of thumb.

If you are very concerned about getting the purest available product, and you don`t have anyone`s advice you can trust, look for "organic certification". Since salt is mined or taken from salt water beds, organic has different implications than produce and animal product organic requirements. But the standards are there and they are strict. The two groups that certify salt as organic are BIO-GRO of New Zealand, and Nature & Progresre of France.

You may come across an analysis of organic salt minerals, or a commentary on such, that mentions fluoride as a constituent. But there are two types of fluoride. One, Calcium Fluoride, is an element that occurs as a natural process over time within the earth`s soil, rock, and water areas. This is the fluoride that originally was claimed as a deterrent against tooth decay. Wikipedia notes that while all other fluorides are dangerous for human consumption, calcium fluoride is not. And it`s Calcium Fluoride that would be in any unrefined salt analysis.

The other fluoride, Sodium Fluoride, is a synthetic, poisonous fluoride. It has been used as rat poison. It`s a waste by-product of the aluminum industry, fertilizer industry, and nuclear industry. It`s their way of picking up a lot of easy bucks by selling it to municipalities for their water supplies instead of suffering the expense of getting rid of it. That`s the stuff that`s been going into our water supplies, causing health problems, and assisting in the dumbing down of America. Either the dentists didn`t distinguish between those two, or perhaps they didn`t even know there were two types of fluoride.

It appears that organically produced, unrefined salt should be a healthy addition to our diets. It offers bio-available, balanced minerals that aren`t naturally present in our food chain. It does not contain the poisons of industry that are a part of refined salt. Yes, too much of a good thing can be bad. But again, the sodium of refined salt and other food additives is curbed best by eliminating processed foods, which contain several toxic sodium sources as well as unrefined salt, from the diet. Dr. Brownstein`s advice, using organic, unrefined salt with a little bit of iodine supplementation, seems like a natural and economical way to boost one`s immune system.

Sources:

Crusader Health News, January 18, 2009 - Interview of Dr. David Brownstein
Salt Institute, www.saltinstitute.org
Rutgers (New Brunswick) Health Education Newsletter, 2002
Wikipedia

Buy Pure Himalayan salt here

Healthy Clay Cooking Pots and Bakeware

As society moves toward a healthier environment and lifestyle, consumers are now looking for ways to improve the quality of their food. When we think about health food, we often overlook the items that we use to cook and bake our food.


Researchers have discovered that traditional cookware contain substances that are harmful to our health. For instance, not only will acidic foods cooked in aluminum leave a metallic taste in the mouth, but there is a risk of heavy metal poisoning. Cookware that contains Teflon (tetrafluoride), a fluoride product that produces a toxic gas when heated to over 500°F, can cause an illness known as the Teflon-flu. When cooking healthy food, people will often saturate the pan with butter, oil, or cooking spray which turns healthy food into an unhealthy meal. There are other safety concerns when using traditional cookware that includes pots boiling over, scorched pans, and burning your hands on the burners. For those who grill food, they have to watch for sudden bursts of flames and scorched food.


To create healthier meals, eco-friendly companies are coming out with safer and healthier cookware. One healthy alternative is actually a very old cooking product.

Craftsman from Pomaire, Chile have been making unglazed clay cookware since the 19th century. These cookware products are healthier because little or no oil is needed as the food steams in natural juices. Clay pots also hold the nutrients whereas foods that are boiled often lose nutrients during the cooking process. Foods cooked in clay dishes retain more flavor than traditional cookware. Clay pots are also free of all chemicals that include lead and aluminum. They are safe to use in the oven with a temperature of up to 450F, in the microwave, and on the stovetop

Being porous, the water is released during cooking allowing the food to remain moist. During the cooking process natural juices are created. As the food cooks, the juices increase the steam which creates a moist cooking state. The clay distributes and retains the heat. The result is juicy and flavorful food. Clay is healthy because it seals in the nutrients so you do not have to add fats. As well, salts and seasonings are able to penetrate deeper in the food.

Cooking in unglazed clay is an ancient tradition with modern day health benefits. Clay cookware is still the most popular cooking choice in many parts of the world. Whether you steam-cooked vegetables, cook meats and fish, make soups, and delicious baked goods, this ancient method of cooking is a modern and healthy way of cooking. Today's clay cookware and bakeware are decoratively created to go straight from the oven to the dining table.


Solay Wellness will be introducing its Solay Gourmet Pomaire (r) Clay Cookware this week.

Great News! Nasal Irrigation Can Ease Allergy Symptoms

courtesy of the New York Times:

Pollen forecasters are predicting a heavy season this year, so allergy sufferers may be struggling to find relief.

For some, the neti pot, a nasal irrigator that resembles a small teapot, has become an alternative remedy. While it is not nearly as convenient as popping a pill or using a spray, several recent studies have found that nasal irrigation can reduce symptoms of allergies and other nasal problems.

One benefit is that irrigation can clear nasal passages without dryness or “rebound” congestion, which occurs when overuse of decongestants leads to dependence and irritated tissue.

In one independent study in 2008, researchers examined a group of children with severe allergies. They found that regular nasal irrigation with a mild saline solution significantly eased symptoms and helped reduce the need for steroid nasal sprays. A 2007 study at the University of Michigan looked at 121 adults with chronic nasal and sinus problems. Over two months, the scientists found that those treated with nasal irrigation reported greater improvements than those treated with a spray.

read complete story and then visit our beautiful hand made neti nasal pots with free Himalayan salt and learn how to use neti pots.

Mandelbrot Almond Squares

With all the wonderful Easter recipes recently posted to the blog, I thought I'd add one of my favorite recent finds. This originally comes from here. I added some metric conversions and a few notes. These sounded so good, that I made them at three in the morning. Try them!

Ingredients

• 3/5 cup (150 grams) finely-chopped almonds
  
• 1 3/4 Cup (400 grams) sugar
  
• 1 1/3 cup (300 grams) flour
  
• 4 eggs (or egg substitute if vegan)
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
  
• icing sugar, for dusting
  

Procedure

• Sift all the dry ingredients into a bowl then stir in the nuts.
  
• Beat the eggs in a separate bowl then add to the dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
  
• Turn the batter into a shallow baking pan that's been greased and floured.
  
• Place in an oven preheated to 350F (180C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  
• Allow to cool in the pan, then turn out onto a chopping board and cut into squares whilst still warm.
  
• Dust with icing sugar and store in an air-tight tin.
  

Notes

If you don't have cardamom, just use a bit more cinnamon and/or nutmeg to taste. If you don't like icing sugar, don't worry about it.

- Austin seraphin

No Egg Wonder Cake

Enjoy this relatively healthy chocolate cake. This recipe comes from the great depression, when eggs came in short supply. I originally got this recipe here. I made a few modifications to make it healthier and more chocolaty! I think they call this "No Egg Wonder Cake" because after you make it, you will wonder how it disappeared so quickly. Plus, if you use cacao powder as suggested, you will wonder why you feel so good after eating a slice or ten.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
  
• 1 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 cup cocoa (try cacao powder!)
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (Himalayan of course)
  
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
  
• 1 cup cold water (purified water)
  

Procedure

• Sift dry ingredients together into a mixing bowl.
  
• Add remaining ingredients and beat until almost smooth.
  
• Pour into a greased and floured 9-inch baking pan.
  
• Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean.
  
• Frost cake or serve with whipped topping. (optional)