Are your shampoo or kitchen utensils dangerous to your health?
This is the question often asked by doctor Aly Cohen.
Because, during her consultations, she sees that many of her patients suffer from autoimmune diseases for no apparent reason.
During these consultations, Aly Cohen has a slightly different approach than traditional doctors.
To better understand the causes of a patient's illness, she inquires about his stress levels.
She also asks him about his eating habits, his frequency of physical activity but not only.
It also seeks to know what chemicals the person is potentially exposed to throughout the day.
Thus, Dr. Cohen manages to better understand the effect of these products on the health of his patients.
Indeed, more and more scientific research indicates that chemicals expose us to many health problems.
For example:infertility problems, birth defects and certain types of cancer.
In fact, a study recently concluded that 237 cosmetic products contain toxic substances.
Despite this, manufacturers persist in using these toxic substances, which accumulate in our bodies and can potentially cause disease.
Fortunately, there are solutions to avoid exposure to hazardous substances in your home.
Here are 10 products you should stop using and their natural alternatives to help you replace them. Watch:
Have you ever noticed that plastic food containers tend to tarnish after a few washes in the dishwasher?
Over time, the plastic in Tupperware deteriorates. However, this deterioration of the plastic can release dangerous chemicals directly into your food.
Many food boxes are made with chemicals that contain phthalates and chemical derivatives.
They may possess endocrine disrupting effects.
To avoid this danger, use glass food containers like these.
To discover: 3 SIMPLE Tricks To Thoroughly Clean Your Tupperware.
No need to throw away prepared meals that you have already bought, even if it must be said that their quality is often very limited...
However, do not reheat them in their original plastic packaging. Whether in the microwave or in the oven for that matter.
Why ? Because heated plastic can release chemicals that are then absorbed by your food.
It is therefore best to take a few seconds to transfer them to a microwave-compatible glass dish.
To discover: The 5 Foods You Should Never Microwave Again.
Most nonstick pans contain traces of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
According to scientific research, this chemical causes cancer in laboratory animals.
The coating on non-stick pans like Teflon easily scratches and flakes right off your food.
Therefore, try to favor stoves made of steel like this, ceramic or granite like that.
To prevent your food from sticking too much, try spraying the pan with a little natural oil, such as olive oil.
To discover: 10 Benefits of Using a Cast Iron Skillet for Cooking.
At home, commercial artificial deodorants are completely banned.
Why ? Because everything we breathe always ends up in our bloodstream.
However, electric diffusers and candles with synthetic aromas very often contain phthalates. These components are known to be linked to reproductive disorders.
To deodorize your home naturally, choose candles that are made from essential oils and fresh flowers.
In addition, white vinegar and baking soda are known for their powerful deodorizing properties.
To discover: 10 Homemade Air Fresheners To Make Your Home Smell Good All Day.
When you read "fragrance" on an ingredient label, you think it's just one ingredient.
But in reality, this so-called "single" ingredient can be made from more than 300 chemicals.
Why ? Because the big industrial manufacturers are not obliged to reveal the exact composition of their perfumes...
All this for fear that they will be reproduced by their competitors.
Avoid perfumes and toilet waters and favor products scented with essential oils.
To discover: Make Your Own Perfume:The EASY Recipe Finally Revealed.
Stain sprays (like this one) create an invisible, plastic-based protective layer.
It is what prevents stains from forming on your upholstery.
Over time, this plastic deteriorates and is released into the surrounding air of your home.
Not great for the air quality inside your home.
It is therefore best to avoid stain sprays, and instead use a good natural stain remover when a stain appears.
To discover: The 6 Household Stain Removers You Need to Know.
Check the ingredients of your cleaning products.
And make sure they don't contain dangerous toxic substances, such as phthalates or chemical surfactants.
Typically, you'll find that most commercial cleaners contain ingredients with unpronounceable names.
Many are dangerous to health and the environment.
Want to clean your home WITHOUT exposing your family to toxins?
Prefer cleaners based on natural products such as baking soda, Marseille soap, black soap, white vinegar, squeezed lemon juice...
And of course hot water!
To discover: Toxic Substances:The WORST Household Products to Avoid (and Natural Alternatives).
According to a recent study, women have an average of 54 cosmetic products on their bathroom shelf.
The study also reveals that a 30-year-old man spends an average of €125 per month on cosmetic products and treatments.
Environmental Working Group is an NGO active in the field of public health protection.
She estimates that all of these products represent 126 separate ingredients.
Choose cosmetic products made from mineral pigments and natural oils.
Choose soaps and shampoos that are free of synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals like triclosan.
According to research, this product disrupts hormonal regulation in animals.
To discover: Cosmetics and Skincare:12 Toxic Products to Avoid.
Many commercial deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds and other chemicals.
They are directly absorbed by our sweat glands.
We advise you to avoid all chemicals taken into your body for non-medical use.
These days, you can easily find aluminum-free deodorants and antiperspirants. For example, Alum Stone deodorants.
Similarly, there are also several brands of natural deodorants.
They are paraben-free and free of "PEG"-based ingredients such as those of the Weleda brand.
To discover: Bicarbonate, an Effective and Almost Free Deodorant.
Scientific research has been conducted on laboratory animals.
This research indicates that sunscreens, which contain oxybenzone, can cause health problems when they penetrate the epidermis.
As a general rule, avoid using sunscreen sprays, as they can easily be inhaled unintentionally.
Similarly, avoid all sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, octyl octinoxate, retinyl palmitate (a compound derived from vitamin A) and perfumes.
To discover: How To Make Your 100% Natural Sunscreen.
Are you looking for alternatives to these toxic products? Keep in mind that the expression "natural" means almost nothing in the food and cosmetics industry...
It's often a marketing term used by brands to sell you new products.
But they are not necessarily much better than the old ones...
It is therefore preferable to look for products with the "organic" label.
Because it is a certified label which implies many environmental and health rules to be respected.
In any case, avoid at all costs buying products that contain parabens, sulfate-based ingredients (sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate)...
Or those that have the mention "parfum" or "fragrance".
Of course, you don't have to throw away all of these products at once. You can go there as you go.
Only replace finished products with new ones that are less hazardous to your health.
Little by little, you will thus reduce your exposure to toxic substances and have a healthier daily life.
You should also know that there are many natural recipes to replace products full of toxic substances.
Here is a small selection so you can get started slowly:
- Homemade shampoo
- Homemade deodorant
- Homemade sunscreen
- Homemade shower gel
- Homemade toothpaste
- Homemade makeup remover
- Homemade multi-purpose cleaner
