Over 400 women are diagnosed with breast cancer (opens in a new tab)each day, and several hazardous chemicals have been linked with breast cancer. While it might not be possible to completely avoid these toxins, here are some ways to reduce your exposure to them. Eat as naturally as possible. Our food supply is loaded with artificial ingredients, dyes, hormones, chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Keep your diet as close to its natural state as possible. Shop the perimeter of the store, as much of the chemical-laden “food” is in the center of the store. When you arrive home with produce, wash it thoroughly. Buy free-range or organic eggs and poultry, grass-fed beef, and wild fish (not farmed). Buy BPA-free products. The less plastic you have in your life, the better, but at a minimum, you should avoid bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is a hormone disruptor found in plastic food and drink containers, as well as in canned food, including infant formula cans. BPA leaches from the plastic or can into the food. Look at the bottom of your plastic containers. Throw away any with the number 7. Plastics with the numbers 1, 2, and 4 do not contain BPA. Use glass for food storage and cooking when possible, and never microwave food in plastic or Styrofoam. Avoid furniture made with the flame retardant PBDE. While flame retardants have a purpose and have saved lives, one type of flame retardant, polybrominated diphenyl ether, or PBDE, has been linked to breast cancer. When buying furniture, look for items with a different flame retardant, or buy organically manufactured when possible. Use solvent-free cleaning products. Antibacterial and harsh chemical cleansers are not necessary. The more natural you can go when you clean, the better. Ammonia, bleach, and any cleanser containing a solvent are hazardous to everyone in the home. Hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda make excellent cleansers, and a quick Google search will yield plenty of recipes and ideas to use them. If you prefer other cleansers, buy green cleaners made with safer ingredients, which can be found in any health food store or online. Clean out your cosmetics. Makeup is full of additives, chemicals, and synthetic hormones that no one needs. Toss out your liquid or cream foundation and use mineral makeup. It’s better for your skin and covers just as well as the pore-cloggers you’re used to. Mineral makeup companies also sell eyeshadow, mascara, blush, lipstick, and lip gloss. Stop the antibacterial foolishness. Contrary to popular belief and TV commercials, antibacterial soap is not necessary and does more harm than good. The truth is that any soap is antibacterial, and you can find natural or organic soap at health food stores or online. Know the ingredients of everything you buy, no matter who you’re buying from, as marketing pros often give you the illusion that something is natural or organic when it isn’t.
What tips do you have for reducing chemicals and toxins(opens in a new tab)?
