Have you considered how many dangerous chemicals are around you every day? 

How can these toxic chemicals harm you?

• Your skin absorbs the chemicals you come into contact with - even from the air around you.
• Your lungs absorb more chemicals from the air you breathe.
• Your digestive system absorbs chemicals from your food.

Many health experts assert that these chemicals may be responsible for many of the ailments that are so prevalent today, such as autoimmune diseases, respiratory issues, ADHD, autism, cancer, and many more.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to reduce the number of harmful chemicals in your life. 

Try these tips to reduce the amount of dangerous chemicals you come into contact with that can negatively affect your health: 

Go Fragrance-Free:  Get rid of perfumes, colognes, dryer sheets, and air fresheners. These products may smell nice, but they’re filled with toxic chemicals. Fragrance-free doesn't have to mean no nice scents.  I like natural scents better anyway :) 

Perfumes and colognes can have many harmful chemicals such as acetone, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and linalool. They usually have synthetic substances made from petroleum. 

Some of the health concerns linked to perfumes and colognes include respiratory issues, asthma, and allergies. In addition, many researchers admit that most of the chemicals in these products haven’t been tested long-term, so no one knows how they’ll affect people over time. 

Instead, use natural essential oils for your fragrances. Be sure to read the ingredients in all products you purchase, even if the label says it’s a natural product. Avoid chemicals you can’t pronounce. Whether you get the ones we sell or elsewhere, learn why and how to be choosy with your natural fragrance products. Especially now while essential oils are a big trend, understand that there are inferior products that can also be harmful.  It's kind of like buying "organic" - the label may not always mean what we might assume.  

[Quick Research Tip: Look up "greenwashing"]

Avoid toxic makeup and other personal care products. Makeup and other personal care products, such as soaps, shampoo, and deodorant, are filled with toxic products that can harm your health. 

Your lipstick, blush, foundation, or eyeliner may have chemicals such as lead, arsenic, formaldehyde, or aluminum. 

It’s easy for makeup to get inside your body because lipstick and lipgloss are on your lips throughout the day. You can also rub off foundation or powder and get it on your hands, which you later use to eat.

The chemicals in makeup and other personal care products can increase the risk of cancer. They can also lead to skin issues, lesions, allergies, respiratory issues, irritation, and reproductive issues. 

Instead, look for natural brands with no detrimental chemicals. (See common culprits at EWG.org) 

You might even like to try your hand to making your own makeup from beeswax, salves, essential oils, and safe food dyes. 

Change your cleaning supplies. One of the biggest sources of chemicals in the home is cleaning supplies. 

Cleaning supplies are filled with toxic chemicals that can affect your brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin. They may cause allergies, irritation, skin issues, asthma and respiratory issues. They may also increase your risk of getting cancer. 

Substances such as ammonia, chlorine, or phthalates can be harmful. 

Some cleaning products can cause permanent burns on your skin even if a drop lands on you. I know from personal experience that chlorine bleach is a no-no for me!

Instead, use natural cleaning supplies or make your own. Vinegar, water, baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch can be combined in many ways to make safer cleaning products at home.  I use a plant-based concentrated all-purpose cleaner which can be diluted to suit the task at hand.  

Avoid processed foods. Your food can be a big source of chemical soup lurking in your life. Toxic substances can lurk in many grocery products. 

Artificial sweeteners in your baked goods or candy can lead to a higher risk of diabetes or cancer. 

Trans fats can clog arteries and cause cardiovascular disease. 

Preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate are sometimes made from benzene, which has been linked to thyroid issues and cancers. 

Even food coloring can be dangerous because it’s been associated with hyperactivity, brain issues, and allergies. 

Fortunately, you can make positive changes by reading labels and avoiding products that aren’t safe. Switch to more organic and natural Use products as close to nature as you can get, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Chemicals surround you. They’re in your breakfast and go with you to work. They’re in your conference room at the office, cleaning closet next to your cubicle, and in all the lunch menus.

However, you can cut down on the toxic chemicals in your life by taking positive steps and making changes toward more natural living. 

In return, your body will thank you with more vibrant health!  And that's good stewardship. And a great investment in yourself and your family. 

Let's build a toxin free legacy stewarding our own health and homes that will be making a positive impact for generations!