Detox Your Home

We have spent the month of March talking about detoxification for better health. As we expel toxins, our body’s natural, healthy functioning improves, we age slower, have more energy, experience less pain, and are more efficient at fighting disease. We also look and feel better.

Today let’s talk about cleaning products because many diseases are caused by environmental factors rather than by genetics. Many of us have been spending more time at home than before the pandemic began so it has become increasingly important that we create a non-toxic environment that can help keep us healthy. The Environmental Protection Agency tells us that our indoor air can be three to five times more toxic than outdoor air, so here are a few areas where we can improve:

Household cleansers: Traditional cleaning products contain an array of harmful chemicals, such as endocrine disruptors or skin and respiratory irritants but are super easy to replace with non-toxic alternatives. Common household products like baking soda and water or biodegradable cleansers like Dr. Bronner’s castile soap can do an excellent job at keeping a house clean while keeping us well.

Cookware and containers: Cookware with non-stick coating emits toxic fumes when overheated and some of the particles and gases that these coatings emit are carcinogenic. Choose stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic models instead. All food packaging, no matter what type, will leach some material into our food. Bisphenol-A is a hormone disruptor found in plastic bottles and plastic containers. Never reheat food in plastic containers and use glass containers whenever possible.

Air fresheners: Ditch synthetically fragranced candles! Synthetic scents contain toxins such as petroleum and benzene that are toxic to the central nervous system and are especially troublesome for people with allergies or asthma. Room fresheners and laundry detergents, even shampoos and conditioners, often contain synthetic fragrances, so look for unscented products or products that are fragranced with natural essential oils.

Airflow: Open your windows when you can; fresh air allows more circulation and helps dispel toxins that are in our homes. Closed windows are great for insulation, but not so great for letting our home breathe…we need to recognize that our homes include macrosystems just like our own bodies.

Indoor Plants: Household plants not only make for a more beautiful environment they also produce oxygen, purify the air, and help eliminate Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs). The most effective plants for detoxifying the environment are indoor palms, English ivy, ficus, peace lilies, and chrysanthemums; all of which are easily found in our nearest nursery.

Whatever your goals, we’re here to help.