We live in such a time that we’re surrounded with toxins and chemicals all the time. They’re in the food we eat, in our environment, in the water we drink and even clothes we wear. As much as we try to limit our exposure to them we’re still unable to do it completely. But we should make an effort and make sure that we’re not exposed to dangerously high levels of these substances.
The worst thing about this is that, unknowingly, we have these toxins in our own home, were we think we’re completely safe and protected. Some of the products we use every day contain dangerous levels of toxins and we don’t even know it. That’s why we’ve listed the 5 most common household items you should eliminate from your home immediately if you want to prevent potential health risks.
1. Non-Stick Cookware
We all use non-stick cookware because it’s the easiest to use and clean afterwards so why shouldn’t we use it? It’s been discovered that once the non-stick pan or pot gets heated up the coating begins to decompose at a molecular level, releasing numerous toxic particles and gasses based on fluoride, most of which are carcinogenic. Instead of using these toxic pans and pots use the ceramic version, they’re much safer.
2. Artificial Sweeteners
Contrary to popular belief, the “safer” versions of sugar, the artificial sweeteners are actually worse than sugar itself, or at least most of them are. The majority of these sweeteners contain:
- Sorbitol – the intestines can’t digest it all the way, which creates a feeling of bloating, gasses and even diarrhea
- Acesulfame K – might affect pregnancy, lead to tumors, and may be carcinogenic
- Aspartame – has become infamous due to the link to skin cancers and can be deadly in the case of phenylketonuria
- Saccharin – indigestible, it is excreted unchanged by the liver, and leads to bladder cancer.
Instead of using the abovementioned sweeteners try the following natural ones, cultivated without refining:
- Erythritol – doesn’t affect the levels of insulin, blood sugar, cholesterol
- Xylitol – improves bone density and reduces the risk of tooth decay
- Stevia – can significantly reduce high blood pressure and blood sugar
- Yacon syrup – beneficial against constipation because it feeds the good intestine bacteria
3. Plastic Bottles and Food Containers
We all use plastic food containers but we don’t realize how harmful they are. These containers are full of toxic chemicals which leach into the food that’s stored into it and get in our system. One of those harmful chemicals that’s commonly used in plastic products is Bisphenol A. When it comes to Bisphenol A, scientific research has shown that it has a negative effect on our overall health.
After numerous studies have surfaced revealed the dangers from this chemical, the FDA has changed their stance on Bisphenol A in 2010, claiming that there is “some concern” over its influence on the brain, behavior, and prostate glands in young children, babies, and fetuses.
Instead of using plastic bottles and containers, opt for metal or glass ones, choose to protect your health and your environment in the process.
4. Air Fresheners
Even though they fill out your house with nice scent and pleasant aroma, eliminating bad odor, latest studies have shown that air fresheners are hazardous for your health. They are known to release fumes which can have worse effects on your overall health than cigarette smoke and can even cause respiratory issues and hormonal imbalance.
According to a study conducted by the Public Health England’s Center for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, there’s a “considerable” amount of formaldehyde in the content of common air fresheners, which enters the group of “known human carcinogen” by the United States’ National Toxicology Program.
Consequently, excessive exposure to these fresheners has been linked to nose and throat cancer, which I believe is enough to convince you to stop using them. If you like to freshen up your house without exposing yourself to toxic fumes add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil to a cup of distilled water pour the solution to a spray bottle and spray it all over the house.
5. Commercial Cleaning Products
It’s no surprise that the common cleaning products we use are filled with chemicals and toxic ingredients, we all know that and it’s even written to many of these product’s labels. However, we are unaware of the threat they actually pose to our health, the dangers we expose ourselves whenever we use them. They can cause numerus health issues, respiratory infections, allergies and so on. All of this is due to the fact that they contain ingredients like BPA, triclosan, parabens and the likes, all of which are linked to hormonal imbalances and similar health issues.
Instead of using these chemical-laden cleaners you can prepare your own natural cleaners at home and protect yourself from the toxic exposure. Try mixing some baking soda and vinegar. This combination effectively eliminates bacteria, including salmonella, staph, and E.coli and does an even better job in that than the commercially available cleaners. Try it out and see for yourself.
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