Creating a Healthy Home and a Healthy You
Creating a Healthy Home and a Healthy You
Hightlights from the presentation by
Dr. Jacqueline Chan and special guest Beth Greer
The highest source of toxins the average person encounters is one’s own home, meaning that we sometimes have to defend ourselves against what’s on own shelves. We are constantly bombarded by toxic chemicals every day by cleansers, toiletries, and even furniture. Many of these toxins are fat soluble, meaning they can go into your cell membrane and interfere with intercellular messaging. However, our bodies are resilient organisms and with small lifestyle changes we can heal. When making lifestyle changes, it’s important to assess what goes in you, on you, and surrounds you.
In Us: The Food We Eat
- Beware of foods high in sugar, such as cereals and sports drinks, which, among other effects, can lower your white blood cell count. Even foods that are marketed as healthy are often loaded with sugar, like organic cereals and Vitamin Water.
- Beware of processed foods, they can contain synthetic ingredients which have a wide array of effects. Often we don’t attribute symptoms to the food we eat because the symptoms are mild, we’re not paying attention to the ingredients, or we misattribute them to something else.
- Beware of labels that contain ambiguous phrases such as: “100% Natural”, “Natural Flavors”, or “Made with real…” These claims are not regulated by any outside entity and so are often meaningless. Look for more concrete phrases and always read the ingredients lists, for example an essential oil should say “100% Essential Oil” and whole grain bread should say “100% Whole Grain”, as opposed to “Made With Whole Grain”.
- Beware of microwaves, as they have been shown to deplete the nutritional value of some vegetables and when in use can emit radiation up to three feet.
- It’s okay to eat non-organic fruits and vegetables if they have a peel or hard outer layer.
On Us: Body Care Products
- Beware of ingredients in toothpaste, such as sodium sacrine, which can accumulate on your teeth. Use natural toothpastes such as Tom’s or Weleda.
- Beware of fragrances; an item listed “fragrance” in a product can contain hundreds of chemicals which remain hidden behind the word.
- Beware of parabens (methyl-, poly-, etc.) which are anti-microbials often used as preservatives in lotions and bath products. Many studies have made correlations between parabens and health risks, leading the chemical to be banned from use in Europe.
- Beware of make-up products (even ones that say “natural”) as they can contain many toxins in the form of color and fragrance. Go to safecosmetics.com for more information about the best brands to buy.
Around Us: Toxins in our Environment
- Beware of household cleaners; some labels even read “Hazardous to humans and animals”. Beth Greer uses two spray bottles, one with white vinegar and one with peroxide, to clean surfaces (be sure to mix them in separate bottles, use the vinegar first, then follow-up with the peroxide). You can even use vodka as a great streak-free window cleaner!
- Beware of mattresses that are flame-retardant as they contain hazardous chemicals. Instead opt for a natural latex mattress. Beth Greer recommends Ergo Sleep Systems in Berkeley.
- Create a sanctuary in your bedroom, especially at night. To reduce your exposure to EMF radiation during sleep, which is when your body repairs, turn off clock radios and cell phones (or at least keep them several feet away from your bed) and turn off your Wi-Fi.
Gain Control. Gain Clarity. Become CLEAR.
