We live in a sea of chemicals and while that could have been literal had we lived underwater, it is still quite true.
From the beauty products and home cleaning products that we use, the foods we consume, and the water that we drink, to things we use to decorate our rooms, we are exposed to an increasing array of toxins that affect our health and everyday life.
These toxins are linked with a series of adverse effects on health, including allergies, colds, asthma, diarrhea, pulmonary infections, heart strokes, and cancer among others.
The more we supplement our knowledge of these toxins and their prevalence in our environment including how to limit our exposure to them, the better we can guard ourselves against them.
The more we supplement our knowledge of these toxins and their prevalence in our environment including how to limit our exposure to them, the better we can guard ourselves against them.
With this in mind, here is a list of 5 top toxins to avoid for better health:
Bisphenol-A
BPA is found in food and drink can linings and has been linked with increased chances of breast and prostate cancer, obesity, diabetes, and behavioral problems.
It can also affect reproductive health.
To reduce your exposure to BPA, limit your use of canned foods and switch to healthier alternatives such as fresh or frozen foods.
Teflon
Teflon is a chemical that’s frequently used to make non-stick cookware and is likely a carcinogen.
When anything is heated in a nonstick pan for 2-5 minutes Teflon coating can break apart and get in your food.
To avoid this toxin, it is better to use stainless steel or cast iron cookware.
Parabens
Parabens are used as a preservative in many products and are known to cause cancer, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption.
Thankfully, companies are now listing if their product is “paraben free” making it easier to find a less toxic version.
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is actively used in sunscreens and it gets accumulated in fatty tissues.
This toxin is linked with causing cellular damage, hormone disruption, allergies, and is also associated with low birth weight.
Sunscreens generally list this ingredient clearly so it’s much easier to avoid than in the past.
Pesticides
Pesticides are used heavily in the production of our food and often leave residues behind making it harmful for human consumption.
Pesticides have been linked with cancers and birth defects among other things.
A solution to avoid pesticides is to switch to organic foods and grow your own food without pesticides when you can.
Wow, So Many Toxins!
I admit when I learned about all these chemical toxins I felt paralyzed.
There are so many toxins and it’s overwhelming trying to figure out how to reduce my exposure.
I’ve learned that you have to take it one step at a time.
I do my best to buy clean food for my family and keep as many chemicals out of our home as possible.
My favorite website to check the products I use is EWG.org.
I’ve stopped worrying about the things I can’t control and do what I can.
How About You? What do you do to combat toxins in your home and body?
