Cleansing Archives - Lifeholistically

Transform Your Indoor Air Quality: Urgent Steps for a Healthier Home

Did you know that the air in your home could be more polluted than the air outside? It’s true, and it’s a serious concern. According to the EPA, indoor air contains 2 to 5 times more contaminants than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution is one of the most serious environmental threats to your health, yet no agency can regulate it, and few studies have been done about its effects. The urgency to address this issue cannot be overstated—your health and well-being depend on it.

Why Is Our Indoor Air So Toxic?

Every single piece of furniture, carpet, and shower curtain in your home is outgassing. Outgassing releases chemicals into the air, including potentially hazardous VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). The synthetic wood, glue, fabric, vinyl, and cushioning in your home evaporate various gases. Common home VOCs include aldehydes, alcohols, plasticizers, aromatics, alkanes, toxic fire retardants, and formaldehyde.

Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Use Zero VOC Paint: While adding color pigments introduces some VOCs, zero VOC paint reduces overall emissions.
Choose Real Wood Furniture: Avoid MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) products that off-gas more VOCs.
Opt for Organic Mattresses: Considering you spend about a third of your life on your mattress, choose organic to avoid exposure to chemicals and flame retardants.

Invest in a Quality HEPA Air Filter

A HEPA air filter can remove pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and smoke pollutants. However, HEPA filters don’t address outgassing from furniture and other household items. Here are the links to the units we use in our home, which have great reviews.

Germ Guardian Air Purifier
Levoit Air Purifier

Combat Outgassing with Houseplants

Many houseplants act as natural air purifiers. Here are my top recommendations:

English Ivy

Benefits: Absorbs formaldehyde, the most prevalent indoor pollutant.
Concerns: It is not safe for pets or children. Keep it out of reach and clean up fallen leaves immediately.

Peace Lily

Benefits: Rids the air of benzene, a carcinogen.
Concerns: Not safe for pets.

Lady Palm

Benefits: Targets ammonia in the home.
Concerns: Safe for pets.

Boston Fern

Benefits: Absorbs formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.
Concerns: Requires high humidity and moisture.

Snake Plant

Benefits: Lowers carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene.
Concerns: Not safe for pets.

Spider Plant

Benefits: Filters formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Concerns: Needs direct light and plenty of water.

Beyond Plants: Clean Air Purifiers and Cleaner Cleaning Products

Clean Air Purifiers

Invest in air purifiers that use activated carbon or charcoal filters to capture VOCs and other gaseous pollutants.

Cleaner Cleaning Products

Choose cleaning products free from ammonia, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals. Look for eco-friendly certifications to ensure they are non-toxic and safe for your home.

Beware of Greenwashing

Greenwashing is the practice of companies making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of their products to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. This deceptive marketing tactic can make it challenging to identify genuinely eco-friendly products. To avoid falling victim to greenwashing, it’s essential to understand the signs and how to verify the legitimacy of green claims.

Common Signs of Greenwashing:

Vague Claims: Phrases like “eco-friendly,” “natural,” or “green” without specific details can be misleading. Always look for precise information about how a product is environmentally friendly.
Irrelevant Claims: Some products boast about being free from certain harmful substances that are never in that category.
False Labels: Some companies create “green” labels to give an impression of third-party certification.
Hidden Trade-offs: A product might claim to be eco-friendly in one aspect but overlook significant environmental harms in another.
Exaggerated Claims: Watch out for overstated benefits that sound too good to be true without supporting evidence.

How to Verify Eco-Friendly Claims:

Look for Third-Party Certifications: Reputable certifications like USDA Organic, Fair Trade, Green Seal, and Energy Star indicate that a product has met rigorous environmental standards.
Research the Company: Investigate the company’s overall environmental practices. Companies genuinely committed to sustainability will often have transparent policies and reports on their environmental impact.
Read Ingredient Lists: For cleaning products and personal care items, check the ingredients to ensure they are free from harmful chemicals.
Check for Transparency: Companies that are truly eco-friendly will provide detailed information about their sustainability practices and the specific benefits of their products.

The Hidden Dangers of Indoor Air Pollution

The air inside our homes can harbor a variety of toxins that pose serious health risks. From respiratory issues to long-term chronic illnesses, indoor air quality can significantly impact our well-being. Here are some alarming facts:

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs, which are found in paints, varnishes, and cleaning products, can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems.
Formaldehyde: Emitted from furniture, flooring, and textiles, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
Particulate Matter: Dust, pollen, and pet dander can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Mold and Mildew: High humidity levels can lead to mold growth, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.

Importance of Water Filtration

Clean water is just as crucial as clean air for maintaining a healthy home environment. Unfortunately, tap water can contain various contaminants, including chlorine, lead, pesticides, and other harmful substances. Investing in a sound water filtration system can help ensure that the water you and your family consume is safe and healthy.

Types of Water Filtration Systems

Activated Carbon Filters
- Benefits: Removes chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and improves taste and odor.
- Concerns: It may not remove heavy metals, nitrates, or microbes.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
- Benefits: It is effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including lead, fluoride, nitrates, and pesticides.
- Concerns: This can be wasteful, as the process uses significant water.
UV Filters
- Benefits: Kills bacteria and viruses.
- Concerns: It does not remove chemical contaminants.
Ceramic Filters
- Benefits: Removes bacteria, sediment, and protozoa.
- Concerns: It may not remove chemical contaminants or viruses.
Whole House Filtration Systems
- Benefits: Filters water at the point of entry, ensuring clean water throughout the entire house.
- Concerns: It can be expensive and may require professional installation.

My Recommendations

After extensive research, combining different filtration methods can provide the best results. The product I used (Berkey) did not have the best testing results with its filters. Luckily, other companies create universal filters that fit into the housing, so I replaced the filter.

Waterdrop Alkaline Water Filter
Waterdrop Fluoride Filters

Key Takeaways

Test Your Water: Before choosing a filtration system, test your water to identify specific contaminants present.
Choose Certified Products: Look for filters certified by reputable organizations like NSF International to ensure they meet quality standards.
Regular Maintenance: Maintain and replace filters as recommended to ensure continued effectiveness.

Varify Complete Water Test Kit

Investing in a quality water filtration system is essential to creating a healthier home environment. Clean air and clean water form the foundation of a healthy living space.

Improving indoor air quality is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. By incorporating houseplants, investing in air purifiers, using cleaner cleaning products, and being aware of greenwashing, you can significantly reduce the pollutants in your home. Take action today to ensure a safer and healthier indoor space for you and your loved ones.

References

Disclaimer

The links to specific products contained herein are affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost if you purchase through these links. Rest assured, these recommendations are based on my vetted experience and commitment to providing valuable, trustworthy information for a healthier home.

Abhyanga for Well-being and Longevity

by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body, Cleansing, Essential Oils

Abhyanga, or annointing yourself from head to toe with warmed oil, is an ancient form of self-love, and is a beautiful practice to do every day for well-being and longevity.

Depending on the type of oil you use, you will likely want to do this before a shower. Your blend will also dictate whether you use it before you start your day-invigorating, or before bed-for restful sleep.

There is not “one” way to accomplish the goal. This daily practice is said to balance the dosha’s in Ayurveda, and keep you incredibly grounded in the present. (Link below for more details on the doshas)

“The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age”

Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89 (One of the Great ancient texts of Ayurveda)

Make sure you are in a warm, comfortable space. If you enjoy a piece of music, now would be a good time to play it. You “can” run the diffuser, but since you are making up a massage oil blend, it is not necessary. Do not leave any body part out.

Move slowly with intention in circular strokes, chopping motions, whatever feels good. Do not make this a mindless practice, stay present and feel all there is to feel.

***As I am not aware of your medical condition, please be sure to research the oils listed to make sure they do not have any contraindications for you.

Click here for more self-care tips incorporating mind body balance and aromatherapy.

References:

Benefits of Abhyanga

Understanding the Doshas

Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.

What Is Your Liver Telling You?

by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body, Cleansing

The liver is THE hard-working organ in the human body and the second largest; the first being our skin. It performs many functions that are vital to life. The liver is responsible for hundreds of processes in the body; yes you read that right! By far the most important function is that of detoxification.

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body when it comes to detoxifying toxins, but not the only one. The liver converts fat soluble toxins into water soluble substances that can be excreted in the urine or the bile. Many of the toxic chemicals that we encounter in our environment, food, beauty products, etc. are fat-soluble, which means they dissolve only in fatty or oily solutions and not in water. This makes them difficult for the body to excrete. What happens if they are not excreted in a timely manner from the body? They are stored…sometimes for YEARS only to be released during times of intense exercise, extreme stress or juice/water fasting. During the release of these toxins, several symptoms such as: headaches, poor memory, stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and palpitations can occur.

In addition to the role of detoxifier; the liver also plays an important role in:

Cleansing your blood and returning it to the heart
The liver stores glucose when it is in excess after you eat and releases that glucose in the blood when needed. This is an important function which when impaired during liver disease, results in hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Liver plays important role in hormonal modification and inactivation. Liver stagnation may cause hormonal imbalances, particularly excess estrogen.
Most drugs are metabolized by the liver.

IF the liver is overloaded with toxins and unable to function at optimal levels, “liver stagnation” can result in:

Abdominal bloating
Anxiety
Irritability
Menstrual disorders
PMS disorders
Stress disorders
Chronic fatigue
Inability to lose weight
Sensitivity to chemicals

So what can you do?

The first step is to remove or reduce exposure to toxic food and drink:

Alcohol
Preservatives
Dyes
Pesticides and Fertilizers
Heavy metal in large fish – stick to wild caught salmon
Contaminated water – invest in a filtration unit
Chlorinated and brominated products (found in almost all commercially produced breads and bread products)
Switch to non-toxic and plant-based, cleaning and personal care products such as vinegar, lemon juice and essential oils
Your skin is the largest organ of your body so do not put anything on your body that you would not put in your body

The second step is to pay attention to what you do eat:

Eliminate processed foods, simple carbohydrates and sugar. A good motto is “Do not eat from a box.”
Focus on eating more organic produce.
Eliminate toxic, poor quality fats like canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil.
AVOID GMO’s. Do not eat animal products from animals fed genetically modified feed such as soy, corn, and wheat.
Eat the rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. Aim for a minimum of 60% of your daily intake of food to be raw.

Let’s talk some specifics….

Lemon juice

The juice of half a lemon in hot water first thing in the morning is a perfect way to start the day; and is an excellent wake up call for the liver. The sourness of lemons triggers nerve and hormone activation to the liver and digestive system. Hot lemon water is also very helpful for those who suffer from sluggish bowel.

Beets

Beets are amazing for liver detox. They have the ability to help thin your bile, which allows the body to detox more efficiently. A common problem is sluggish/stagnant bile flow. Regular beet consumption (and a wealthy diet) can help strengthen natural detox!

Turmeric

Turmeric is superb for inflammation of all kinds in the body; liver included. Cooking with it is helpful, but not enough in this circumstance and a quality supplement is recommended.

Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion root is excellent for liver health. It works by promoting the flow of bile and purifying out blood. It is a great alternative to coffee.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (silymarin) is a flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family. (Those allergic to ragweed should avoid) Milk thistle helps to purify the liver. Some reports suggest milk thistle may offer a possible benefit for people whose liver is damaged by industrial toxins, such as toluene and xylene. (WebMD)

Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are high in sulfur, which helps to remove toxins from the blood. Eating a serving or two of brussel sprouts daily will help sponge out toxins – whether they’re environmental or dietary. These little sprouts also boost glucosinolate, an antioxidant that forces the liver to release enzymes that block damage.

Glutathione rich foods

Carrots, tomato, grapefruit, walnuts, cooked spinach, and avocados are rich in glutathione; a protein that helps to detoxify the liver. Glutathione sticks to the toxins and sweeps them out of the body very efficiently.

As you can see, if you are showing signs of liver stagnation, there are plenty of things that you can do to help rectify the situation. Our body has amazing healing powers when we support it properly.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects