From the dishes we wash to the body lotions we lather in, the human body is exposed to an unbelievable amount of chemicals per day. How can we minimize the amount of chemical products we use and keep smelling squeaky clean?
The ingredient list of almost all general body care products can include three or more unrecognizable chemicals. Make-up and hair care ingredients can include even more harmful products. With the growing number of disorders and diseases found in the world, reducing the amount of chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis could improve symptoms associated with chemical sensitivities.
If you have experienced any of the following symptoms after exposure to basic body care products, you may want to ask your healthcare provider about chemical sensitivities. Basic symptoms may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, congestion, itching, sneezing, sore throat, chest pain, changes in heart rhythm, breathing problems, muscle pain or stiffness, skin rash, diarrhea, bloating, gas, confusion, trouble concentrating, memory problems, and mood changes.
There are many quick and easy alterations one can make with a body care routine that will save money and reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Chemical Free Hair Care
Being that hair is so close to the brain, it would be a wise decision to reduce the amount of chemicals that are in contact with the scalp.
A healthy diet is not the only thing responsible for healthy hair. Reducing the amount of chemicals that dry out the hair follicles will increase the strength and vitality of each hair strand.
- Shower Filter
When taking a shower many chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride and others found in tap water may become airborne and inhaled. During a long shower or bath the skin can also absorb these chemicals like a sponge along with the shower/bath water. Installing a shower filter is one of the best ways to reduce this type of potential chemical exposure.
- Shampoo and Body Wash
Choosing a chemical free or natural shampoo and bodywash such as Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps (https://www.drbronner.com/) or similar brand would be a great idea. Not only will there be a reduction of chemical to skin exposure, but there will also be less chemicals going down the drain.
- Conditioner
Natural conditioners can be as simple as a few spoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a cup of water. The internet is full of chemical free solutions for hair care.
- Frizz and Oil Control
One of the best ways to reduce frizz and control excess hair oil is by sprinkling on natural food-grade powders such as carob for dark hair, cocoa for brown hair and arrowroot powder for light brown/blond hair. Hair will be completely under control and smell naturally amazing.
Chemical Free Mouth Care
- Tooth Paste
Switch from your conventional toothpaste to tooth soap or baking soda. Your teeth will never be cleaner, and morning bad breath will be a thing of the past.
- Floss
Choose a natural tooth floss without chemical coatings. Another great floss replacement is obtaining a water flosser. (eg. www.waterpik.com)
Chemical Free Deodrant
Here is a great DIY replacement for conventional deodorants. Watch this video for further instruction:
Chemical Free Clothing
Try to wear natural organic clothing such as 100% cotton, silk or hemp products to reduce the amount of skin irritation. Also source clothing with natural dyes from plant sources for those who are super serious about reducing the amount of chemicals in their life.
Chemical Free Body Lotion
A great solution for dry feet and hands is natural oils such as grape seed, castor, and coconut oil. Even cold pressed oils from olives can be a great body lotion replacement. Coconut oil absorbs the best and quickest for those who like to lather up frequently. These oils are also a wonderful substitute for makeup removers.
Chemical Free Feminine Products
- Menstrual Cup
Changing from conventional feminine products to reusable natural products such as menstral cups (see divacup.com for details) is not only environmentally conscious, but a very good choice for overall feminine health.
- Lady Comp
Injesting hormones for birth control also can potentially cause many side effects and harm to the body. Investing in hardware such as The Lady Comp (www.lady-comp.com) or more affordable cycle beads (www.cyclebeads.com) is an amazing way females can control their chemical exposure.
Make-Up and Nail Polish
Reducing or eliminating the need for makeup and nail polish is ideal but also extreme for most ladies (and gentlemen if applicable). But buying chemical free or chemical reduced makeup is becoming easier to do. There are also some great tutorials for D.I.Y. chemical free makeup routines.
With a chemical free attitude, there is now unlimited amount of solutions and replacements for all of your regular body care routine needs. It may take some time and research but reducing daily exposure to harsh dyes and other risky chemicals could lead to a happier, healthier mind to matches a happy healthy body.
Kaeli has always had an infatuation with keeping fit and improving life. Whether it is strength training, endurance building, or self-study research, she has devoted endless hours to them all. Her interest in health started at an early age. From swim competitions to long distance running, she discovered that keeping fit is an integral part of her life. After being diagnosed with... Read More
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