By. Dr. Lorelei Wakefield
NorthLakes Community Clinic
We live in a toxic filled world. Toxins are found in our food, air, water, home and body. Studies show there are approximately 84,000 chemicals introduced into food and consumer products in America each year. There are more than 13,000 such chemicals used in health and beauty products of which never undergo any safety testing. To me, that’s pretty scary! Research has shown that everyone has at least 200 synthetic chemicals in our bodies right now. That’s a lot of chemicals! These chemicals steal our health by creating inflammation in our bodies and decreasing the strength of our immune system. What we put on our skin is absorbed directly into the blood and lymphatic system. Our skin’s job is to protect us from the harms of the outside world but if it’s so toxic from all the chemicals put on it, it can’t protect you,and can actually harm you.
Now is the time to become a champion of your health and understand what you can do to decrease your exposure to chemicals. In other words detox your household. Are you up for the challenge? I hope the answer is yes!
Let’s start with our self care products. This doesn’t mean you have to throw out all your personal care products but you need to look at your products and understand what chemicals are in them, then figure out which ones are ok to use and which ones you need to get rid of and replace with more natural, less toxic products. Self care products used daily are items like soap, shampoo, lotion, hair gel, hair spray, perfume, make-up, nail polish, lip gloss. Here is a list of some toxic ingredients to avoid in your personal care products:
Sulfates (sodium lauryl, sodium laureth) These are often found in shampoo, body wash, cleansers, hair styling products, hair color, topicals, etc. Linked to cellular damage, reproductive disorders, kidney damage, respiratory problems,skin, lung and eye irritation.
Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate,dimethyl phthalate, fragrance, MMP,MEP,MiBP,DMP,DEP,DiBP) These are found in deodorant,antiperspirant, perfumes, fragrances, all hair products, skin cleansers, makeup moisturizers, lotions, spray tans. Linked to endocrine system disruptor, suspected carcinogen,cellular damage, reproductive disorders, birth defects, hormonal changes, early onset puberty, thyroid abnormalities.
Triclosan (triclocarban) These are found in sanitizer, antibacterial products, body wash, deodorant, antiperspirant, all hair products, toothpaste, mouthwash, teeth whiteners. Linked to heart disease, heart failure, reproductive disorders, hormonal changes, thyroid abnormalities, endocrine system disruptor,disrupts muscle function, skin irritant.
Parabans (any form)- These are found in cosmetics, makeup removers, deodorant, antiperspirant, lotions, spray tans, sunscreens shampoos, cleansers, body wash. Linked to breast cancer, tumors, endocrine system disruptors, reproductive disorders, hormonal changes, thyroid abnormalities.
Take the time to read the labels of your products and if any of these are in the first 4 -5 ingredients, consider getting rid of the product and replacing it with a healthier product. The environmental working group or ewg.org is a great site to learn more about this and one I often refer patients to.
Good luck with this challenge! Once done with this detox we will look at other areas of our household to detox next month! Enjoy!
Dr. Lorelei Wakefield is a Chiropractor at NorthLakes Community Clinic in Park Falls.
