Wellness is such a broad topic, we often forget that the little things we encounter on a regular basis could be affecting your health and well-being. Here, at the spa, we’ve had several conversations about toxins recently and it got us thinking, what household toxins are we using that we don’t realize might be hurting us?
News flash for EVERYONE – there are A LOT. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not planning to toss your makeup and handy Clorox wipes anytime soon, but we do appreciate being more aware of what we’re using and what the alternatives are.
On a side note, there is something deeply satisfying about wiping down the bathroom with a disinfectant wipe (or is that just us?). It kind of makes you feel like a superhero, saving your family from those lurking germs … ah, we digress!
We can’t completely eliminate toxins from the environment, but there are some easy steps to reduce toxins, especially in your home. Here’s a list of three common toxins found in your homes and some alternative suggestions.
Synthetic Fragrance
Fragrance is likely the most common chemical in your home. You will find fragrance in everything. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! This includes laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, fresheners, room deodorizers, etc. The list goes on and on.
Air fresheners and room deodorizers are some of the worst culprits. These products do not clean or deodorize the air. They simply put chemicals into the air we breathe. It is ideal to avoid these completely. But the products many of us use on a daily basis may not be so easy to avoid. Try using natural alternatives, or do your research on the cleanest ingredient products available.
Cleaning Products
Most cleaning products on the shelves at your favorite store fit into this category. These cleaning products contaminate the air with chemicals and toxins when you spray them, achieving exactly the opposite of your goal – to clean! The ingredients are dangerous and have warnings about skin burns, danger if ingested, etc. These are all products that we are not only breathing in, but coming into contact with through food, clothing and your skin.
The tried and true alternatives are safe and cheap. And bonus, you probably already have them in your pantry! Vinegar and baking soda are two of the best natural cleaning agents you can buy. If the smell of vinegar has you dreaming of pickles, then put in a few of your favorite essential oil drops for a crisp scent.
Nonstick Cookware
Convenience sells everyone on nonstick pots and pans, but there are some drawbacks to the material your dinner is cooking on. Perfluoroalkyl acid, a class of chemicals linked to many health problems including thyroid disease and high cholesterol, is an element better left undigested.
Maybe a good rule of thumb is if you can’t pronounce it, it shouldn’t be in your body. Nonstick should always be replaced when you start seeing peeling or chips in the surface. The best alternatives are cast iron, glass or stainless steel.
Making small changes in how you clean your home and the products you put on your body do make a big difference. Here’s to feeling and looking your best and showing off your homes the natural way!
Need help in figuring out if the products you are using in your body have harmful toxins? Bring them in and we will help!
This holiday season, try a different spin on traditional turkey dishes with this hearty and tasty recipe! It’s a great alternative to beef and rice stuffed peppers as well as being a healthier choice because it contains turkey and nutritious vegetables. Enjoy these delicious Turkey Stuffed Peppers this winter and savor every bite!