Do Hats Cause Hair Loss

Hats do keep your scalp & hair safe from the UV rays which can cause damage. Controlled and limited exposure to the sun is key. The sun is not 100% bad for your scalp and hair if you spend anywhere between 10-30 minutes per day without a hat, the sun can actually combat and prevent hair loss.

The vitamin D that the sun provides also creates new hair follicles which promotes hair growth. Wearing a hat or using a natural spf may provide protection while being outdoors. A good habit is parting your hair in the opposite direction to lessen the exposure on one side of your scalp. You can also use organic avocado oil or organic sunflower oil on the hair that’s exposed to protect from the UV rays. These oils have many benefits for your skin as well and make great carrier oils.

Natural Alternatives to Harmful Chemicals

As harmful chemicals are typically found in everything from our food to our cleaning products, it’s easy to think they are unavoidable. However, did you know there are some great natural alternatives you can use?

If you’re looking to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals, below you’ll discover some great natural alternatives to consider.

Stainless steel cookware

Most homes take advantage of the convenience of non-stick cookware. However, did you know it can give off toxic gases when being used?

Brands such as Teflon, use Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is what gives the cookware its non-stick properties. However, studies have shown that when heated to high temperatures, toxic gases are released. This can lead to problems such as production issues and potentially even cancer. Instead, it’s best to use stainless steel cookware. If you can’t live without your non-stick cookware however, it’s best to cook with them over lower temperatures.

Use glass, rather than plastic bottles

Plastic water bottles tend to be the go-to option. However, they can also contain numerous harmful chemicals such as BPA. These can leak through into the water, then absorb into the body when you drink from them.

Instead of using plastic bottles, aim to switch to glass bottles instead. These don’t contain harmful chemicals and they are reusable which means they are also better for the environment too.

Natural cleaning products

Cleaning products are a huge source of harmful chemicals. However, did you know you can now purchase natural cleaning solutions?

There are more natural cleaning solutions out there than ever before. When you consider traditional chemical cleaners contain bleach and ammonia, it’s worth looking into natural alternatives. The fumes released from cleaning products can lead to respiratory issues and they are also extremely dangerous for children.

There are lots of natural alternatives you can try. As well as pre-mixed natural solutions, you can also choose to make your own. Vinegar, baking powder and lemon juice are the main natural ingredients used in alternative cleaning solutions. Take a look online and you’ll find lots of natural cleaning product recipes to try out.

Natural insect repellents

As the weather warms up, all kinds of bugs can start to invade the home. Ants, wasps and flies are common pests that we typically tend to kill off with insect repellent.

Insect repellents are known to contain harmful chemicals. This is why they often have instructions to spray them, leave the room for a set time period, and then air the room out afterwards. They may be effective, but they could seriously harm your health.

Like natural cleaning solutions, you’ll also find lots of recipes online for natural insect repellents. Did you know for example, lemon juice and vinegar can be off putting to certain insects? Simply do an online search for natural insect repellents, followed by the pest you’re having trouble with, and it will show you the best natural products to use.

Flowers instead of air freshener

If you like to keep the home smelling fresh, it’s common to use cans of air freshener. However, these too contain harmful toxins which can build up in the home.

Instead of using air freshener, there are plenty of natural alternatives you can try. Fresh flowers are a great option. Not only do they smell divine, but they also help to brighten up the home. There may be a lot of harmful toxins found in traditional products, but there is also a lot of natural alternatives out there. The above are just some of the natural alternatives to harmful chemicals you can start using today. It’s also worth looking into natural based cosmetics and baby products too.

Invisible Threats You May Not Think About

When it comes to removing toxins from the home, some are more obvious than others. There are a number of hidden toxins you might not even be aware of that could pose a risk to your health. Here, you’ll discover some invisible threats you may not think about when removing toxins from the home.

Dust mites

You can’t see them, but dust mites are very much present in the home. Known to live on fabrics, particularly mattresses, it is the fecal matter from these mites which causes potential health issues.

As you vacuum and carry out dusting of the home, it can release the fecal matter into the air. This is when you breathe it in, and it can cause issues. Washing bedding regularly and reducing damp in the room will help combat dust mites.

Air fresheners and perfume

Air fresheners and perfume might smell divine, but they could be harboring harmful toxins. In fact, they could contain hundreds of different chemicals.

The trouble occurs when the chemicals in the perfume and air freshener, mix with the ozone in the air. This in turn can lead to the development of secondary indoor pollution chemicals. This can cause headaches, digestive troubles and allergic reactions. Using natural air fresheners and perfumes will help eliminate this worry from the home.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is a plasticizer, used to make plastics much more flexible. It is frequently found in products such as water bottles, food packaging, baby bottles, pacifiers and plastic cutlery.

This harmful toxin is known to impact both male and female fertility, cause trouble for the cardiovascular system and lead to development and behavioral issues in children. When searching for plastic related products, look out for ones which claim they are BPA free. Most baby bottle manufacturers for example, have now eliminated BPA from their products. However, be aware that if you choose some of the common BPA alternatives, like BPF, they haven’t yet been fully tested. Therefore, it isn’t known whether they are actually safer than BPA.

Phthalates are most commonly found in PVC based products. These include plastic wrap, food storage containers, vinyl flooring and baby toys. They are also used to prolong the scent in fragrances.

Although found in many household items, these chemicals do pose a huge risk to the health. They can particularly lead to endocrine damage, birth defects in babies and they are especially harmful to children. Even low doses of Phthalates can cause health risks.

Always ensure any baby products you buy are listed as Phthalate free. You’ll also want to avoid eating anything that has been cooked or stored in a plastic microwave container. Check labels for the inclusion of “fragrance” in the ingredients too. This would suggest the product does contain Phthalates and should be avoided.

Parabens are typically added to products and used to prevent mold and bacterial growth. They are most frequently added to skin care, beauty and personal care products.

The issues parabens can cause include diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and endocrine disruption. They can also lead to issues with reproduction and birth defects. They have been used in beauty products since the 1920’s and help to boost the shelf life of cosmetics.

A high level of cosmetic products still contain parabens today. So, it’s best to look out for products which advertise themselves to be paraben free.

These are some of the most common hidden chemicals you could be exposed to in the home. When you’re trying to make the home cleaner and safer, you’ll want to consider the invisible threats too. Follow the advice above to reduce or eliminate these hidden toxins from the home today.

Common Toxins to Remove from the Home and Get Rid of them Safely

Although it’s practically impossible to eliminate your exposure to chemicals completely, there are ways to minimize the risks.

Some toxins are much more harmful than others so eliminating from the home is essential for your health. Here, you’ll discover some common toxins to remove from the home and how to get rid of them safely.

VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

VOC’s can come from a range of sources in the home. They vaporize easily and add gas pollutants into the environment. The amount of VOC’s in the home has been recorded as being over 400. As they are found in so many household products, VOC’s tend to be more common inside than outside of the home.

The most common risks they present to your health include:

⦁ Eye or respiratory tract infections

⦁ Dizziness

⦁ Headaches

⦁ Increased risk of cancer

⦁ Damage to the liver, kidneys or central nervous system

They are often found in new home furnishings and carpets, plywood, interior paints, cleaning fluids and deodorants to name just a few.

The main way to safely eliminate VOC’s from the home, is through ventilation. Ensure you open your windows frequently, particularly if you have just painted the home. You’ll also want to keep the humidity and temperature of the rooms low.

Another tip is to look for products which are advertised as low VOC. Mold is a common household problem, yet it can be extremely harmful to the health. Caused by excess moisture levels and a lack of ventilation, mold can quickly grow and spread throughout the home.

Many people are sensitive to the effects of mold. However, symptoms are usually mild including coughing and wheezing, nasal stuffiness and skin irritation. If left untreated, the health effects experienced could be much more severe, particularly for those with asthma.

The earlier you spot and treat a mold problem the better. Leave windows open at least once a day, invest in a dehumidifier if you live in a moisture prone area and fix any leaks as soon as possible to prevent it from forming.

Pesticides are commonly used to keep pests under control in the home. However, they can also be found in other unexpected areas too. Some pesticides have been detected in around 50% to 95% of foods in the US. So, you could be consuming them as part of your daily diet.

Avoid using bug sprays and lawn pesticides wherever possible. You’ll also want to pay attention to the labels of the food you purchase and try and find foods which don’t contain this harmful chemical.

Heavy metals Over time, harmful chemicals found in heavy metals such as lead, aluminum and cadmium, can gather within the soft tissues of the body. The trouble is these metals are commonly found throughout the home.

Some of the most common sources of heavy metals include types of seafood, drinking water, antiperspirant, lead paints and preserved wood. They can lead to health problems such as Alzheimer’s Disease, nausea, abnormal heart rhythm and fatigue.

To limit your exposure, make sure you install water filters in the home, avoid eating high mercury content fish and avoid buying treated wood products. You’ll also want to check for lead paint in the home, as well as avoid buying any products constructed from PFC.

These are just a small selection of the most common toxins to remove from the home. All of the toxins mentioned above can have a severe impact on your health in the long term. So, eliminating them now will ensure you and the family stay safe indoors.

Try Something New Today To Care For Yourself

In yesterday’s blog post, I shared ways to get started with self-care. Creating habits and adding activities to your calendar help increase your chances of sticking with your new routine. Another way to keep things interesting is to treat yourself to things you’ve always wanted to do. Adding new and novel experiences to your self-care routine is like giving yourself a little gift every day. It’s a great way to stay motivated to do things to care for yourself.

Pamper Yourself

Taking physical care of yourself in a pampering way makes us feel good. Pampering is a go-to for many people when it comes to their self-care routine. Think of something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A small act of indulgence can have the same effect as an extravagant one. Maybe consider scheduling a manicure if you’ve never had one. A bubble bath with candles can be soothing if this is something you don’t do very often. If your budget will allow, a spa day with a friend could rejuvenate your body and spirit.

Celebrate Today

Most of us don’t buy ourselves presents very often or even give ourselves little treats. You can change that starting now. Think of something within your budget you’ve been wanting for a while now. Then give yourself permission to buy it. Maybe it’s that snazzy pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on or the cell phone upgrade that would make your life easier. Giving yourself one gift, no matter how small, can be a boost to your self-worth.

Enjoy the Little Things

Self-care really doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. The tiniest gestures can be the most meaningful. Indulging in small free or low-cost treats allows you to spoil yourself more often. What are some little things you’ve never done for yourself that you can start adding to your life today? Have you ever bought yourself flowers? Give it a try. You’ll get a boost every time you see that beautiful bouquet on your table or desk. Think of your favorite food item, the one you have on special occasions. Why not make one day a week a little more special by trying a new version of it? For example, commit yourself to tasting a new truffle each week at your favorite cholate shop. Get creative with it.

Adding new experiences to your self-care routine keeps things interesting and can also help make them more meaningful. Novelty will also expand your world and enrich your life. Plus, it’s just fun!