Are you exposing yourself to toxic chemicals that could be interfering with your hormones and reproductive health?
- Phthalates
- Solvents
- Petroleum
- Bisphenol-A (BPA )
- Parabens
- Sodium laureth sulfate
- Mercury (thimerosal)
- Benzophenones
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Formaldehyde
- Aluminum
These are just some of the chemicals and heavy metals you are most likely being exposed to on a daily basis through a number of products you are using in your home and on your body. Scary isn't it?
Never before have humans been exposed to so many dangerous chemicals on a daily basis! It is reported that there are more than 80,000 chemicals in our environment that we are being exposed to.
Is it any wonder that we are seeing infertility rates rise, chronic and life threatening diseases affecting more and more people at a younger and younger age, and our population dealing with more and more unexplained symptoms?
Studies have even shown the blood in the umbilical cord of newborns to contain over 200 chemicals. How unfortunate that our population is now faced with a toxic burden of that degree from birth.
Below is an easy to read guide on some of the toxic chemicals you might be exposed to and the conditions linked to them.
Good News! You can help prevent!
I always tell my clients, knowing is half the battle. Now that you know what to look for you can make a conscious effort to start avoiding these unnecessary toxins and start replacing with cleaner, healthier alternatives.
You will never be able to completely avoid all toxins but you can at least control the exposure to the ones in your home. By limiting your exposure you are freeing up vital detoxification resources in your body to better handle the toxins that you have no control over. Uncontrollable toxins in the environmental that come from the water, air, and soil. Exposure beyond our control.
There are many toxin free cleaning product companies out there that are very effective for cleaning and cost little more than the conventional toxic type. Brands like:
- Seventh Generation
- Ecos
- Ecover
- Simple Green
- Mrs. Meyes
- Dr. Bronners
- Method
- Earth Friendly
There are also many DIY recipes out there for making your own cleaning products with things like:
- Essential Oils
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Distilled white vinegar
- Castile soap
Now how about those personal care products?
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Lotions
- Make-up
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Body wash
- Face wash
All of these products contain dangerous chemicals that could be harming your hormone balance. Many of these toxic ingredients are endocrine disruptors that interfere with the body’s normal hormone functions, even at low levels of exposure. And many of these products are used everyday. Imagine the toxic buildup over time.
Safer alternatives to the conventional personal care products are available but dont let labels fool you. Just because it says "organic", "natural", "green" doesnt mean it is chemical free. Click Here for a list of the best alternatives for each category of personal care products.
Another great resource is EWG's skin deep website which allows you to enter specific products and know the toxicity level and what chemicals each product contains. Click here to go to skin deep's website.
Even better yet try some DIY recipes for making your own personal care products that way you have full control over what ingredients you choose to use for these products. You can make products like:
- shampoo
- body scrub
- toothpaste
- face wash
- deodorant
- lip balm
- bath salts
Give it a try! I cant wait to see how you do. Its as simple as making conscious swaps. Make it a challenge to go through your home and bag up all the products that have toxic chemicals and send me a pic! I would love to see how many toxins you eliminate!!!!
Below are a couple DIY recipes to get you started. The first one is for an all purpose cleaner that has...count them.....only 3 ingredients! The second is for a safe non toxic mouthwash. Remember to leave a comment and let me know how it goes.
As always.....in good health and happiness,
Brandy Augustine PhD
DIY Recipes:
All Purpose Cleaner:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white distilled vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 20-30 or more drops of essential oil (orange, lemon, lavender, tea tree)
Put in large spray bottle and shake to mix well.
Suggested uses: hard surfaces like countertops and kitchen floors, windows and mirrors.
Homemade Mouthwash:
- 1 cup water,
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 drops peppermint essential oils.
Mix all ingredients in a glass jar with lid and shake well. Swish in mouth, then spit out. Store on bathroom counter.