Natural care is one of the nine pathways to wellness I use. Part of that involves self care done naturally, but the other part is ensuring you’re using items that protect your health, not take it away. The emphasis always is on natural. Safe. Do no harm.
To address this area, start becoming aware of where toxins and dangers to your health hide. Here are a few you might not be aware of to get you on the right track:
Antimicrobial clothes
Are you thrilled that you can buy work out clothes that no longer smell like, well, you worked out? Don’t be. Instead relish the smell of clean sweat – all natural. Because those embedded antimicrobial chemicals can make you sick. And smell will be the least of your worries then. Scientists are finding that some of these are actually harming your thyroid and hormonal systems.
On top of this, the chemicals wash out, bit by bit. While this may seem like good news as you won’t be exposed as much, it’s not. It still remains in that clothing, even after 10 washes. And the water containing what washed out is turning up to harm us all and the environment in general.
To keep yourself well, avoid products — clothing included — listed as being antimicrobial, antibacterial or anti-odor along with those that list triclosan or trichlorocarban in the ingredients. That doesn’t mean you have to smell bad. There are other choices and ways to stay/smell clean and healthy. And, anyway, think about it: Did our whole society reek decades ago — or were germs killing us in record numbers — when we didn’t have these “wonder” products?
Canned foods
Many canned products contain BPA. It’s in the lining, and it leaches into the food within. It may be a small amount or it may be enough to negatively impact your health. It’s a gamble, and not one with good odds. You probably know enough about BPA at this point, but, if not, generally it increases your risk of suffering from cancers like breast and prostrate along with other diseases.
It’s hard, but not impossible, to find canned goods minus BPA. Eden Organic makes all its canned goods free of BPA except for tomato-based ones. (Simply buy your tomato sauce, etc. in jars.) Some of Trader Joe’s brand items are in BPA-free cans, namely corn, beans, fish, poultry and beef. (Any reason why I love Trader Joe’s? Now, for them to continue this practice elsewhere.) Edward & Sons (Native Forest and Native Factor branded products) also produces mostly BPA-free cans.
Every time you think you need a canned good, think this first — Can I do this fresh instead? For example, I don’t use canned tomatoes anymore. Fresh added to even soups and such tastes better. And I know I’ve eliminated the BPA risk.
Chemically-scented products
This one exists way too many places. Get used to natural scents, not chemical ones. They smell far better and won’t harm your health. Chemical scents, to me, now smell like … well, chemicals. I can’t stand the smell. Your nose simply has been hijacked. Take it back.
Chemicals that are carcinogens, endocrine disrupters and toxic to your reproductive system, even at low levels, exist in scented detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, lotions, hair products, candles and more. You probably are immersed in a toxic soup much of the time, unless you’re avoiding these. No worries, you can still clean your clothes and house. There are enough natural choices available now at many stores, and they work well. You also can use simple, safe things like vinegar to clean. Get out of the habit of thinking you need to artificially scent everything you own. You’ll save money – and your health.
As always, remember my small step approach that produces lasting change — and creates a natural, easy path to wellness. Don’t do all the above at once. Choose one thing, and do it. But, please, do it today.
