We will go into more detail about each of the ten tips over these three articles. In this article, we will cover:
- Purify your water
- Eat quality food
Purify your water
We believe that filtering your water is an absolute necessity. Your tap water will likely have chlorine, sediment, bugs, fluoride, and rust. It can also contain copper, lead, pesticides and chemical stabilisers, all of which can increase your chemical load and affect your health. There are so many factors that can affect your water quality and without a water filter, you have no control over it.
Whilst it is an archaic method, chlorine is currently the cheapest way to kill the dangerous germs and bugs in our water. So, whilst we use it to ensure water safety, chlorine has been well documented to have a detrimental effect on the body. Studies of the literature and in animals have shown an increase in the incidence of atherosclerosis, heart disease and cancer through exposure to chlorinated water.
Drinking chlorinated water should be avoided wherever possible. Showering in water with chlorine in it is especially dangerous as it turns to gas at a lower temperature than water and the inhalation of chlorine fumes is harmful.
Your source of water and your budget will affect which filter you choose.
In an ideal world you would install a whole house filter to remove the chlorine, metals and sediment, etc. As well as an under-bench filter to remove the fluoride, plus any heavy metals and contaminants from your own water pipes. If you are unable to get a whole house filter, then at a minimum install one for your drinking water and installing a shower head filter will also make a big difference.
Eat Quality Food
If your budget allows, eat organic. Thankfully it is becoming easier to source quality organic and spray-free food locally, with farmers markets and home delivery available.
Agricultural chemicals have been linked to learning and behavioural problems, autism, leukaemia, Parkinson’s disease, thyroid issues and hormone disruption, so avoiding them as much as possible is really important. There are restrictions on the level of residual pesticides, hormones and antibiotics allowed in fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat and dairy. However, enforcement and testing does not seem to be rigorous nor consistent. Also, the restriction levels do not take into account the effects on our hormones or immune system. The implications of consuming a cocktail of residual pesticides and the long-term effects are overlooked. If your budget does not allow for all organic, then try at least to source the following organic or spray free: apples, strawberries, pears, grapes, peaches, blueberries, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, celery, and potatoes.
Food additives are used to preserve food, stop ingredients from separating or to enhance colour and flavour. While most are considered safe, some additives can trigger asthma, skin and nervous disorders or digestive problems. Remember that food that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals is likely to be from a chemical lab and not a natural source. Where possible eat nutrient dense fresh wholefoods, and avoid E numbers and processed food as much as possible. Cooking from scratch will significantly reduce your exposure to food additives.
If you do need to buy a packaged food remember that sugar, vegetable oils, wheat, soy and corn are the most industrialised food ingredients so try to avoid these.
In the next article, Part 2, we will talk more about these tips:
- Breathe Clean Air
- Minimise Skincare and use safest options
- Always wash new clothes & choose natural fibres
Do you think about the chemicals, products and ingredients that you put on your baby’s skin? Thinkwise are passionate about helping you find the safest baby skincare solutions available. They provide helpful information to parents and carers who are conscious about the chemicals they put on their baby’s skin and use in their environment. They specialise in selling dry baby wipes and change mats as used in Birthcare & Hospitals nationwide, and also stock their own organic baby skincare range.
