Cleaning Up Your Act
Cleaning Up Your Act - 5 Tips to help detox your home and body
1. Upon awakening, drink the juice of one lemon in a glass of warm water.
2. Ensure your shampoos, face creams, body moisturisers, make up removers, and all other personal care products are PARABEN free.
Parabens are widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as preservatives, to extend their shelf life. They are endocrine (hormone) disrupting chemicals acting as xenoestrogens (foreign to the body but with very powerful estrogenic actions). They are absorbed relatively easily as they are lipophilic (fat loving) and studies indicate they are being found in breast tumours. They are linked to other hormonal conditions such as endometriosis and infertility. Manufacturers may claim that their individual product contains amounts too small to be toxic, however, the repeated use of multiple products in your personal care routine containing parabens, may not be. Avoid them.
3. Reduce pesticide exposure.
Ingesting organophosphates from pesticide residues on our food is a concern. Pesticides are endocrine disruptors and act as carcinogens. It is the repeated, long term cumulative exposure to these chemicals and chemicals from other household items that may result in ill health. Buy organic fruit, veges, meats, and dairy where possible and if buying conventional, wash with ENVIROCLEAN’s fruit and vege wash before consumption. It is more important to buy organic for some types of fruit and vegetables than others. The EWG ( Environmental Working Group) has identified these in its ‘Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen’ list . www.ewg.org
Stop using fly sprays, cockroach surface sprays, garden insecticides and mosquito repellents containing DEET and a host of other chemicals.
4. STOP buying them! We have come to equate clean with healthy. Chemical based cleaners take away dirt and grime, but leave behind residues of harmful chemicals. So, if you are still using chemical based cleaners, STOP buying them! There are great, effective alternatives. Begin by at least replacing your kitchen bench spray, dishwasher powder, toilet air freshener and laundry powder with plant-based alternatives.
This ensures your family is not inhaling chemical fumes, eating chemical residues off supposedly ‘clean’ plates out of the dishwasher and that your clothes do not smell of chemical fragrances. This significantly reduces your family’s toxic load and helps with conditions such as asthma and eczema.
5. Read labels and become aware of what you are buying and applying.
Remember, if you are using conventional cleaners, most department store cosmetics and hair care from supermarkets or hairdressers, it is likely that before you even leave your home in the mornings, you have unnecessarily exposed yourself to over 500 chemicals. No wonder our livers are struggling! Becoming a conscious consumer is vital to your detox. Make it a lifestyle, not a temporary measure. Today and every other day, for the rest of your life. You will reap the rewards.
