Category Archives: Exposure to Toxins

Reduce Exposure to Toxins During Pregnancy

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Ensuring that our children grow up in a healthy environment is an important part of being a parent, but this responsibility actually begins nine months before the birth. From the moment of conception, the developing fetus is growing at an astounding pace, taking nourishment from the mother’s body. Therefore, any action the mother can take to ensure that her environment is as healthy and free of toxins as possible will be a benefit to both her own health and that of her unborn child. If you are expecting a child or hope to in the future, these tips from Mopfrog of The Hamptons will help both you and your baby get off to a great start.

What Goes On, Goes In

Pregnancy is a time when many women experience skin problems, such as acne, stretch marks or unusually oily or dry skin. Unfortunately, this is not the time to experiment with many of the creams and potions available at the drugstore, especially any that contains chemical ingredients. Applying any of these chemicals to the skin allows the body to absorb them and makes them available to the baby through the blood stream.

To avoid this possibility, opt for more natural, yet very effective options for skin care during pregnancy by:

  • Opting for food-grade moisturizers such as organic coconut, almond or grape seed oil or cocoa butter.
  • Opting to treat acne pimples and breakouts with a weekly mask made from baking soda and water.
  • Opting to tone and refresh oily skin by applying apple cider vinegar or green tea to oil areas.
  • Opting to wash skin with naturally gentle castile soap instead of facial cleansers with ingredients such as Diethanolamine (DEA).

What Comes Into Contact, Goes In

Just as chemicals in skin care products can be unhealthy for the developing fetus, so can other chemicals commonly found in the home, in the clothes you wear and even on the surfaces you touch.

Pregnancy is a great time to incorporate all natural, organic cotton fabrics into your clothing and bedding. In addition, opt for healthier alternatives for laundry detergents and cleaning products so that the surfaces you intend to clean do not expose you or your unborn child to possible toxins. Remember that your medical care provider can also help to answer any questions you may have about toxins in your environment and offer suggestions on effective substitutions that will enhance the health of your entire family.

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A 3-Pronged Approach to Help Protect Your Body From Toxins

Safe food, clean air and access to extensive supplies of food and potable water are more readily available in America than many other countries around the globe. Even though this is true, there are still many Americans dealing with serious health issues caused by exposure to toxins, many of which are found in products we believe to be safe for us to use or consume.

Three Most Common Ways in Which Toxins Enter the Body

In order for any substance to influence the health of the human body, it must first get inside where it can attack the systems and organs of the body. The three basic ways in which this usually occurs are ingestion, inhalation, and absorption

Ingestion

While most people would never consider drinking or eating anything that bears a label proclaiming it to be toxic, many of us may be unknowingly exposed to toxins each day by the food, beverages and medications we ingest. In many cases, we may even think we are making the healthiest possible choices.

One example of a toxin that we commonly ingest is BPA (Bisphenol A). This chemical has been used in plastics and resins over the past several decades to harden them and make them more durable. Commonly found in beverage containers, baby bottles, food storage containers and even as a dental coating for teeth, BPA deteriorates over time and is now viewed as a possible cause of cancer, insulin resistance, reproductive issues and many other serious health problems.

BPA usage is so widespread that it would be nearly impossible to completely remove it from our daily life. However, there are some ways in which you can help limit your exposure. These include:

  • Choosing glass bottles, dishes and containers for food storage, re-heating and table use
  • Avoiding cookware and utensils with non-stick coatings
  • Avoiding protective coatings and sealants offered by your dentist
  • Choosing fresh, unpackaged fruits and vegetables instead of those in metal cans or plastic containers

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Inhalation

Inhaling toxic chemicals happens frequently in the home environment. Oven cleaners, bleach, paint and even room deodorizers release chemicals during their use. This is particularly dangerous when they are used with little or no ventilation and recirculated by the heating and cooling system.

The best way to limit exposure to toxic chemicals that might be inhaled is to stop using chemical cleaners and choose non-toxic, natural cleaners instead. The following list of safe cleaning ingredients will clean your home thoroughly, leave it fresh smelling and give off no toxic chemicals for your family and pets to inhale.

  • Lemon juice – a natural whitener, degreaser and air freshener
  • Kosher salt – a natural scrubbing agent
  • White vinegar – a natural disinfectant, sanitizer, degreaser and fabric softener
  • Baking soda – a natural scrubbing paste, freshener, drain and oven cleaner
  • Citrus oil – a natural wood polish and deodorizer
  • Tea tree oil – a natural disinfectant and sanitizer
  • Hydrogen peroxide – a natural disinfectant, sanitizer and stain remover

Absorption

The skin is the largest human organ, with every square inch capable of bringing toxins into the body. Whenever we splash gasoline on our hands at the gas pumps, immerse our hands in bleach water while cleaning or apply chemical laden soaps, lotions, creams, tanning agents and dyes, we are allowing our skin to absorb toxins.

Avoid absorbing toxins into the body by wearing gloves when handling toxic materials and choosing natural, non-toxic cleaners, soaps and cosmetics. Your body will thank you for it!

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