3 Things You Use Every Day That May be Causing You More Harm Than Good

When you get up in the morning or get ready for bed at night, how many products do you use? 

If you’re like me, there’s probably around 10 you use as part of your daily routine. And that doesn’t event begin to include makeup. 

---

The average woman is exposed to 168 chemicals before she leaves her home each morning. 

---

Have you ever read the back of your products to ask what’s in them? I mean not just that special ingredient that promises your skin will look 10 years younger or will make your hair look like Eva Mendes. I mean just read through the whole label. 

If you can tell me what more than 3-5 of those things listed are besides water/aqua, then feel free to stop reading and say, of course I know exactly what those names are and how to pronounce them. 

But if you’re like the rest of the general public, not only can you not say them, you don’t have a clue what the listed ingredients are anyways. 

---

Europe bans more than 1300 harmful chemicals from personal care products.

The U.S. bans 11. 

---

When I was younger, I didn’t really care about that stuff. I mean if they put it in there, it’s ok for me, right?

But now as a mom, I’ve learned to not just ask the question, but research, demand for answers, and make the right decisions for me and my family. 

And unfortunately, that’s meant looking at a lot of things in my cabinets, drawers, makeup bag, etc. and asking “what is in this?” 

So let’s look at three things you use every day that may be causing you more harm than good.

Deodorant

Considered a fundamental for personal care in my book, deodorant is one of those items you don’t just want to use, but so do all the people around you.

It keeps you smelling fresh when you’re not and in some cases of deodorant/anti/antiperspirants, prevent you from sweating. Many deodorants contain on average of six toxic chemicals such as propylene glycol, parabens, triclosan and aluminum. Classified as a carcinogen, aluminum is is proven to be directly involved with causing cancer. And considering you’re applying it to one of the most porous parts of your body (the armpit), you are applying a biocummulative that not just stores in your fat and accumulates sometimes multiple times a day. And aluminum has been linked to breast cancer in women and has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Instead look for an aluminum free deodorant like this stick or spray. Made with only completely natural products, you can pronounce the ingredients and you’ll know exactly what they are like organic lavender and orange essential oils. 

Shampoo/Conditioner 

But it’s not just want we put on our skin that’s toxic, it’s what we wash down the drain that’s even more harmful. Just think about washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner. While we add a few tablespoons to our scalp, have you ever thought about how much of that gets washed out? 

---

In the U.S., we pour more than 350 million of gallons of shampoo ALONE down the drain.

---

And unfortunately, while our waste treatment plants are designed to remove bacteria, they aren’t able to clean out the toxic chemicals. So that means it goes right back to your home, your plumbing, and ultimately back to the sink you probably drink from. That’s why using a natural, toxic-free shampoo and conditioner can make  big difference not just to your hair, but to the health of your family and others. 

With organic aloe and essentials, Ava Anderson avaHAIR shampoo and conditioner repairs, beautified and strengthens hair without adding harsh or toxic ingredients to dry out, strip down or damage your hair. 

Toothpaste

Think that you’re teeth aren’t at risk to toxic chemicals, just think about what you’re putting on your teeth. That’s right many toothpastes include 5-7 chemicals that are known not just to cause cancer, but cause autism, ADHD, and other cognitive impairments. One of those ingredients sometimes found in toothpaste, triclosan, is registered with the government as a pesticide, and is a known endocrine disruptor, disrupt thyroid function and contribute to liver and inhalation toxicity.

And I won’t even go into fluoride. While there are many debates on the use of fluoride in the water supply, some people have severe allergic reactions.

Instead use a toothpaste that is made with naturally-sourced baking soda that neutralizes mouth acids, cleans teeth and gums, and freshens without fluoride or the use of artificial sweeteners is your best options for clean teeth and even cleaner living. There’s even an option for kids, too. 

Now let’s be reasonable. I’m not suggesting you actually throw out the new bottle of shampoo you just bought for $25, but when you’re done why don’t you purchase an all-natural one instead? Or each time you use it, think about what you’re doing to the water system, your health and your kids’ health. 

That’ll probably get your thinking a little more about healthier living. And why wouldn’t you choose the best option made by mother nature? 

Think you’re done? Not even. So many chemicals, so little time. But if you’re interested in learning more about being a label detective or learning more about a how to make healthier decisions for your family, email me. And make sure to stay connected on social media and sign up for our newsletter to make sure you get the latest and greatest information, resources, news and more.