Every day we're surrounded by potentially harmful chemicals. They're in our cleaning products, our healthcare and beauty products, and in our air and water. Some are unavoidable. But there is an abundance of natural options out there to help you reduce your exposure.
What makes them so hazardous? These chemicals, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, BHA, triclosan and triclocarban, parabens, polyethylene/PEGs, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, and petroleum distillates--to name a few--can affect how well our endocrine system functions. Our endocrine system includes our pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles. This system of glands produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood...and more...and greatly affects our overall wellness and quality of life.
These chemicals can also affect gene expression which is why some chemicals are listed as potentially carcinogenic. There's a wonderful article by Dr. Emily Kane, a naturopathic physician, that explains this thoroughly. Check out the Better Nutrition link below. at https://www.betternutrition.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-and-nutrition-to-support-genes.
The point is to be aware. Check your products at the Environmental Working Group website (www.EWG.org) or on the Think Dirty app to see how they rate. It can be overwhelming. Just commit to making one change at a time. These small, enduring changes will benefit your overall health and the environment. Simple tools like these can help you take your health into your own hands.
Links for more information:
https://www.betternutrition.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-and-nutrition-to-support-genes
https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/harmfulskincareingredients.asp
https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/5-chemicals-to-avoid-in-beauty-products
https://blog.aromahead.com/2013/09/11/why-is-green-cleaning-important
https://puracy.com/blogs/puracy-blog/benefits-of-natural-skincare-products