The best way to reduce the level of chemicals in your body is to limit the number that gain entrance.
If you pay attention to the following points, you will lower your toxic load.
1. TOBACCO SMOKE
Smoking, the leading source of indoor air pollution, exposes you to over 4 000 compounds.
2. BE MOULD AWARE
Inhaling mould spores in an unventilated bathroom can cause allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases. Always thoroughly clean water-damaged carpets and keep moisture levels to a minimum. Check under indoor plants for possible mould growth. If humidity is a concern, purchase a dehumidifier that lowers humidity levels.
3. EAT ORGANIC FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
If it is not practical to switch to 100% organic, the Environmental Working Group (a non-profit research organisation based in the USA), identified the 12 most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables. For an article of the most contaminated produce picks, read Ten Healing Foods To Buy Organic.
A tip I have for anyone feeling a bit overloaded is to do a colon detox. Getting rid of toxins in the colon is an easy way to immediately reduce your toxic load. You will be surprised to see what the colon can hold on for, for years!
4. USE SHOWER AND DRINKING WATER FILTERS
Filtering your water and attaching a shower filter will reduce your exposure to chlorine and fluoride. Chlorination by-products are linked to elevated risks of birth defects, miscarriage and bladder cancer.
5. LEAVE DRY CLEANING TO VENTILATE
Place your dry cleaning outside its bag for a day or two in the garage or outside, weather permitting. Otherwise, within 48 hours after you hang dry-cleaned clothes in your cupboard, your home will contain elevated levels of solvents. The Environmental Protection Agency lists tetrachloroethylene – a common dry-cleaning solvent – as a probable carcinogen. For more info on this read Dry Cleaning – Risks & Safer Alternatives and Uncovering the Dirt on Cleaning Products.
6. SCRUTINISE YOUR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
Many beauty products contain phthalates, a family of chemicals known to cause birth defects. Fortunately for consumers, there are various apps available that you can access on your pone while shopping.
7. USE NON-TOXIC INSECT REPELLENTS
Long-term effects of pesticide exposure may include damage to the liver and central nervous system, as well as cancer. The likelihood of becoming ill from exposure to pesticides depends on a number of factors such as the type and amount of pesticide; the concentration/ strength; length of exposure and ‘route of entry’ into the body. Health effects from pesticide exposure may occur right away, as you are being exposed.
Some symptoms may occur several hours after exposure. Other effects may not be noticed for years, for example cancer. Pesticides can enter your body during mixing, applying, or clean-up operations. There are generally three ways a chemical or material can enter the body: through the skin, lungs or by mouth. Exposure can take place via a splash or mist when mixing, loading or applying the pesticide. Skin contact can also occur when you touch a piece of equipment, protective clothing, or surface that has pesticide residue on it. Inhalation may occur when working near powders, airborne droplets (mists) or vapours.
8. SUBSTITUTE HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
Cleaning products (including detergents) can be overly chemical-laden, especially the scented ones. Look for chemical-free products or make your own.
9. LIMIT USE OF PAINT, VARNISH AND WAX
All of the above contain cancer-causing organic chemicals. Choose non-toxic paints such as the Pronature range. See the article Making your Home a Green Home.
10. DON’T BUY PRODUCTS PRE-SOAKED IN FORMALDEHYDE
Particleboard, plywood and permanent-press fabrics contain formaldehyde – a suspected carcinogen that can cause everything from nausea to headaches to asthma attacks. Watch out for chemical deodorants and even fabric softener that contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANING PRODUCTS
Before the use of chemicals in household cleaning agents, herbs and essential oils performed the role of antibacterial agents perfectly well. They are very effective against bacteria, fungi and the growth of micro-organisms.
You can add a few drops of essential oils to natural ingredients such as distilled white vinegar, lime/lemon juice, or spring water to create a quick cleaning product that does not harm you, your family or the environment – while it is incredibly effective against dirt and bacteria.
METHOD
- If using essential oil, mix together the first three ingredients and add the oil to this portion of the mixture, mixing in very well. (Adding a liquid, like essential oil, can make the citric acid fizz a bit and cause clumping of the powder mixture, so it is added afterwards to minimise this risk).
- Add the citric acid portion, mix well and store in an airtight container. If not using essential oil, just mix the dry ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
- Use one tablespoon per dishwasher load.
- Rinse aid: two tablespoons of vinegar.
Cautionary note: Use at own your risk, as dishwashing machines are expensive appliances. I cannot be held liable for any malfunctions that you may think are caused by the use of ‘green’ recipes.
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