Detox Your Environment

 

Much discussion is on the toxins we put into our bodies like alcohol, drugs, caffeine and food additives. But what of toxins in our enironment?  So here are some simple ways we can reduce our exposure to environmental toxins.  But also some information on some of the most common environmental toxins we are exposed to.

 

 

 

Chemical Exposure can be reduced by:

• Choosing to use chemical free house cleaners and insect repellents

• Limit exposure to traffic pollution

• Avoid solvents and surfactants eg. glue, plastic and rubber

• Avoid professional chemical carpet cleaning

• Choose paints free of VOC(volatile organic compounds)

• Avoid professional car cleaning products.

• Read labels and learn about what you are exposed to.

 

 What can we learn about Plastics?

Plastics can be a common source of toxic exposure. Plastics often contain chemicals such as Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and Diethylstilbestrol. These can leech out of plastics especially with heating. Plastics are categorised by numbers which is usually displayed on plastic bottles. Numbers to be cautious of are numbers: 1,3,6 and 7. Numbers 2,4 and 5 have no known health hazards. Bisphenal A is in newspapers, some fillings and in some water bottles. Examples to think of are

1. water bottles we buy,  
2. takeaway food that is hot in plastic containers
3. coffee in take away cups
4. some baby bottles especially if being heated up or put in the microwave.

 

If drinking water from a plastic water bottle, ensure that the water bottle has been used once only and does not contain warm or hot water.

 

 

 

 

Check Your Cleaning Products

Though useful to clean away dirt and grime, chemical cleaners can also burden our internal and external environment. Avoid cleaning products or air fresheners that are fragranced or made from chemical ingredients. The best option is to simply use more natural products or make your own. To purchase cleaning products one of the ones we have available at the clinic is from Nicole Bijlsma's products called "Abode".  Nicole wrote the book Healthy Home Healthy Family. Alternatively, make your own natural cleaning products using ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, tea tree and clove oils – all effective at cleaning and better for you and the environment. One book I love for natural cleaning remedies is Down to Earth A Guide to Simple Living by Rhonda Hetzel.

 

 

Review Your Personal Care Products

Personal care products and cosmetics are another source of chemicals that may not be ideal, especially if you are trying to  detox. Many ingredients can be absorbed through the skin. It is important to assess the products you are using and invest in your health by choosing more natural skincare options. Ideally avoid using products with the following ingredients which may negatively impact upon your health. Check your shampoo, toothpaste, makeup, deodorants, insecticides, moisturisers, lipstick ands hair spray to name a few

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Paints

Some of the healthier paints to look at are FREE of VOC ( volatile organic compounds) - check brands like Livos,  Ecolour, Resene, Porters. The wrong paint can out gas toxins for up to 18 months. So choose your paint wisely.

 

Finally If you want to do a questionaire on your toxicity levels click here. 

Spring Is A Time To Spring Clean Our Lives.