By Heather McCauley
A growing number of people are making their health a top priority for themselves and their families. We are all putting conscious thought into the foods we eat, the supplements and medications we ingest and our level of physical activity. We are even paying attention to the source of our food and asking ourselves if it is the best choice for our environment. While we are overly attentive to what we put in our bodies, some of us add multiple toxic chemicals a day to our bodies without our realization. The skin is our body’s largest organ and it is the most direct way of absorbing chemicals into our bloodstream.
I once read that the body absorbs more chlorine in the course of a seven minute shower than by drinking an eight ounce glass of water. This was an eye-opener for me; the turning point at which I was no longer willing to be oblivious to the products I used. Products such as shampoo, conditioner, lotions, perfume, make-up, body wash, shaving cream, cleaning products, hair dye, soap or anything that touches the skin, have the potential to deposit hundreds of chemicals a day into our bodies. For women, that number could be well into the 500’s, considering we average a great deal more beauty products than men. Some of the harmful chemicals that have been identified in these products include parabens, sulfates, lead, triclosan/triclocarban, formaldehyde, phthalates, toluene and even known carcinogens. They can have effects ranging from skin irritation, headaches and allergies to damaged thyroid, kidney, reproductive and nervous systems.
Currently, manufacturers are not under any legal obligations to divulge all of their ingredients in a majority of these products. Clearly, stricter FDA regulations are called for in that matter. In the meantime, you can protect yourself by becoming an educated consumer. Do not be content to merely read labels. Even products which read “organic” or “all-natural” can contain dangerous toxins. Conduct your own research and choose a manufacturer you trust, ideally one which openly lists all ingredients in their products whether on the label, on their website or via direct request. You can also reduce your exposure to chemicals by reducing the number of products you use. Start by taking a look in your make-up bag, shower, medicine cabinet and on your bathroom vanity. Ask yourself if there are any of those products you could stop using completely – it’s just like trimming the extra carbs from your diet. In the long run, you will be pleased with the result.
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