Have you ever paused to consider the invisible threats in your supposedly safe cleaning and personal care products? We often trust these items to keep our homes sparkling and bodies clean, believing they are harmless. However, the reality might shock you. Here's my story that hopefully sheds light on the toxins and harmful chemicals in our everyday lives.
A Rude Awakening
It all started on a typical Saturday morning. As I completed my routine cleaning with my array of popular household cleaners, I never anticipated the wakeup call awaiting me. Spraying, wiping, and scrubbing, I was proud of the work I had done to clean and sanitize my home.
But then, later that day, I came across an article that changed everything for me. It highlighted toxins camouflaged in everyday sprays and detergents. It mentioned the hazardous nature behind terms like "fragrance" and "cleaning agents." Words like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and triclosan and their potential dangers were explained.
Whoa. Step back.
Did I see formaldehyde? That was that nasty, stinky stuff used to preserve the gigantic African grasshoppers, frogs and cats we dissected in biology class! That stuff is in my cleaners? YIKES!!
The Deception of "Safe" Products
Okay, reading ingredient labels for cleaning products has never really been a routine practice of mine, unlike food labels. But, I do read the caution labels. Have you ever looked at the caution label on your stuff? How can they be safe to use in your home with a whole litany of dangerous effects?
Another confession, I am far from a clean freak! I clean maayybe once a week - dust even less. I believe a little dirt is good to keep your antibodies in tip top shape. But, I used lotion every single day to keep eczema in check, and still do to this day. As I studied the labels of my trusted products, those even suggested by a dermatologist, I realized something. These products were not as safe or effective as I was led to believe.
It makes me shudder thinking about my kids crawling on "clean" floors or breathing in noxious fumes, let alone me intentionally putting unhealthy lotions and creams on their little bodies. Argh!
At that time I didn't know much about safe options, and that's when I found Wellness Mama. She's who cued me in on other products - shampoos, cosmetics, antiperspirants, perfumes - all to make us look and smell better, were not so safe either. She had me second guessing everything. So, I started making some of her homemade products, mainly her cleaning products, until I could find a better solution (because homemade products are a lot of work!). I certainly didn't want those toxic and caustic things in my house anymore.
The Ongoing Battle
The battle against hidden toxins in everyday products continues to be an uphill battle. In a market with misleading claims and unpronounceable ingredients, we must be vigilant consumers. Educating ourselves, scrutinizing labels, and opting for transparent, eco-friendly alternatives are important steps towards safeguarding our homes and loved ones. We even need to be wary of those claiming to be natural. I've seen reports of Mrs. Meyers, Method and Seventh Generation not being the safe and natural items they claim to be. We each need to do our own research to decide if a product is good enough for us or not.
The story of hidden toxins added into our cleaning and personal care products from stellar household name brands serves as a wake-up call for us all. As we strive for a healthy and safe home for our family, we can't fall prey to the fancy labels and marketing ploys that keep us buying harmful products. We deserve better for our family's and our own personal health.
The Battle of the Bulge
The build up of toxins over a long period of time can lead to many health problems, one of which is how these toxins mess with your body. Adipose tissue, or fat cells, are where toxins are stored in the body when they can't be eliminated as fast as they're introduced. It's your body's defense mechanism against unnatural chemicals.
And, as nice as that may sound, it's not good. Dr. Brian Opp, of Opp Family Chiropractic, states in HOW TOXINS ARE MAKING YOU FAT AND TIRED the following:
"Ways in which these toxins cause diseases and weight gain are:
● Production of inflammatory chemicals
● Taking your good nutrients and making them into toxins
● Creating more sugars in the gut leading to more fat storage and weight gain
● Poisoning of mitochondria (cells that generate energy)
● Slowing the liver detoxification process leading to fatty liver and weight gain"
Cleaning House
Unfortunately, in our society today, we won't be able to eliminate intake of all toxins, but we can attempt to reduce more introduction as much as possible. First, get rid of the cleaners, cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, air fresheners, etc, that are full of harmful chemicals. Remember I said I had eczema? Well, since I've changed my products, I have not had ONE breakout. That does not seem like a coincidence to me.
And, I judge a bottle by their caution label. Well, I don't know what most ingredients are or if they're good or bad, but the caution label really paints the best picture for me. When the caution notes are short with simple instructions, like "flush with water", I consider that a pretty safe product. If it cleans and shines on top of that, it's a winner in my book.
Second, I don't preach a lot about organic foods, but it's best to try to eat as much of your own food, or locally grown food, as you can. Then, preserve it by freezing, canning, drying, or freeze drying, if you have the means. You'll be able to eat it all year long and feel good knowing exactly how it was grown, harvested and preserved.
Then, drink plenty of water and eat lots of fiber. Water and fiber are essential for cleaning toxins out of the body. Water flushes fluids through the kidneys, while fiber scrubs the colon. They are both powerful tools to excrete toxins from the body.
Exercise is another tool for expelling toxins - through sweat and breathing. Saunas and steam baths (not to be confused with hot tubs that make you sweat! A favorite SNL skit! LOL) are effective for detoxifying by removing toxins through the sweat glands. The lungs during deep breathing, completely filling your lungs with fresh air, filter out harmful particles while also supplying your body with vital oxygen.
And, lastly, be aware of harmful chemicals in food storage containers. You will notice there are water bottles and plastic food containers labeled as BPA-free. Bisphenol A has traditionally been a component of polycarbonate plastics and resin linings of aluminum cans that has been found to be a hormone disrupter linked to multiple health concerns. I personally find it interesting the FDA still considers it safe at very low levels. I'm becoming less and less pleased with the FDA. Am I alone in that? Anyway, I've been switching to glass or ceramic, especially if I'm heating something in the microwave, for many of leftovers.
Although this is a topic that I normally don't educate clients on, it is a topic that is important for my own personal health. I should really share about it more often! I have friends that have turned their health completely around, those that have been diagnosed with auto-immune disorders, by changing their products and eating cleaner. It can make a big impact in the lives of those that need it most.
If you're also seeking to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, complete this application to book a complimentary consultation with Coach Dani from InCourage Health LLC. We all benefit from support and accountability when striving for lasting change. For any further questions, please contact us at incourage@incourage-health.com.
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Sources:
Bauer, Brent A, MD. Mayoclinic.org. What is BPA, and what are the concerns about BPA? March 24, 2023.
Hyman, Mark, MD. DrHyman.com. How Toxins Make You Fat: 4 Steps to Get Rid of Toxic Weight. February 20, 2012.
Opp, Brian, DC. OppFamilyChiropractic.com. How Toxins are Making you Fat and Tired. May 13, 2021.
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