Every day, you come into contact with a lot of products that pose potential risks to your health. Many substances may seem safe but are not. You might not even suspect them when your health starts to decline.

Many of these are part of the contemporary “standard” lifestyle and are commonly found in most homes. To a large extent, they are responsible for the collapse of the physiological detoxification system that you have by “design,” and you need some extra help.

It is true that environmental pollution is a big and very serious problem. There are no immediate solutions for this, which is why I invite you to focus on the changes you can make within your environment. Many are daily contacts. The list is long, but for now, I will mention these:

• Containers and Plastic Bottles

Avoiding plastics is a basic step to reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol-A (BPA), bisphenol-S (BPS), and phthalates.

Endocrine disruptors have been linked to a large number of adverse effects, such as reproductive problems, high blood pressure, altered IQ, learning impairment, hyperactivity, and aggression in children, as well as breast, prostate, and thyroid cancers.

Heat, storage, and multiple washings can increase the amount of chemicals that leach from containers and bottles, so keeping old containers is not a good idea either.

The alternative is glass for bottles, containers, and everything else you use in plastic, especially in your kitchen.

• Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose deceive the body by storing fat and increasing your risk of diabetes, contrary to what you might think. Aspartame, also known as E 951, is found in “diet” or light sodas, chewing gum, artificially flavored waters, breath mints, etc. Sucralose, found in Splenda, is in baked goods, candies, sauces, jellies, ice cream, packaged cereals, and many other products that even claim to be “healthy” or “light” on their labels.

In addition to worsening insulin sensitivity and promoting weight gain, artificial sweeteners also contribute to other chronic metabolic, cardiac, and brain issues, to name a few.

They also alter gut microbiota, another mechanism by which they promote obesity and many other disorders. This effect of gut dysbiosis and glucose intolerance has been found in healthy individuals.

• Aerosol Air Fresheners

Commercial deodorants and air fresheners generally contain 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), a metabolite of 1,4-dichlorobenzene, which has been linked to early puberty and other health problems, including cancer. Phthalates, also endocrine disruptors, have been found in them as well.

If you want a pleasant aroma, I suggest using high-quality pure essential oils, which can also improve your health and well-being. And don’t forget to open the windows and doors occasionally. This helps improve the air quality in enclosed spaces.

• Non-stick Cookware

Non-stick items are the primary ones to start cleaning out of your kitchen. Remove non-stick pots and pans and replace them with ceramic or glass cookware. The most popular non-stick coating is made from a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), better known as Teflon, which has been labeled a “probable” carcinogen by an independent scientific review panel advising the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In general, avoid Teflon, aluminum, and copper.

Replace your utensils with ceramic or glass, which do not emit toxic fluoride. The most accessible and durable non-toxic options are high-quality stainless steel.

• Personal Care Products

The skin easily absorbs chemicals. That’s why I suggest you review everything you apply to your body. Consider your use of deodorant, creams, lotions, shampoo, conditioner, and other personal care products. Prefer organic brands of toiletries and cosmetics. Learn to read labels and don’t assume something is good just because it says “natural.”

Additionally, you can make your own body moisturizers using oils like coconut, jojoba, macadamia, etc., and add essential oils to take advantage of their properties and make them more appealing to the sense of smell.

• Makeup

In a report titled Heavy Metal Hazard: The Health Risks of Hidden Heavy Metals in Face Makeup, the Environmental Defense organization analyzed 49 different makeup products. They found lead in 96%, beryllium in 90%, thallium in 61%, cadmium in 51%, and arsenic in 20% of the products—all heavy metals that chronically accumulate in the body.

• Antibacterial Soaps and Detergents

Disinfecting your body and surroundings routinely can cause more harm than good in the long run. Not only does it promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria, but antibacterial compounds like triclosan have also been linked to numerous harmful health effects, especially in young children. It can disrupt hormonal regulation, interfere with fetal development in pregnant women, and has been associated with allergies, thyroid dysfunction, weight gain, inflammatory responses, and endocrine disruption.

Regular soap, preferably without fragrances or colorants, is the best option. It should maintain the pH balance of your skin without causing other damages. This has been shown to play an excellent preventive role against diseases.

• Commercial Cleaning Products

These are also full of toxins that can affect you through direct contact or inhalation. Lemon juice is a natural bleach, vinegar and water make an excellent combination for cleaning windows, and vinegar combined with hydrogen peroxide is great for disinfecting. Baking soda is very effective for cleaning the bathtub and kitchen.

Keep a spray bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide and another with vinegar on hand; they can become your best cleaning allies. Baking soda also works very well for bathrooms.

Don’t get overwhelmed; start with what is easiest for you and gradually replace products until you have a cleaner and more eco-friendly home. I assure you, it will make a significant difference in your health.

Raquelina