Are toxins affecting you?

There are many different varieties of pillow and making the right choice can influence not only comfort but also quality of sleep.

The big questions are….

Do you sleep mainly on your side, back, or front?

What shape is best for you?

What is your pillow made from?

“One’s sleep position will dictate how a traditional pillow can be used to provide the appropriate support”

How to decrease your toxic exposure

Certain chemicals applied to your skin or in the air can be absorbed by your body and may cause harm to your cells and organ systems. They can cause inflammation and increase the body’s production of free radicals, thus increasing your likelihood of developing chronic health problems.

Food

Shift your food purchases and consumption to organic when possible.
It is most important to use organic dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc.).
Free-range meats and eggs are desirable to purchase as organic.
Minimize the use of large fish (swordfish, tuna, etc.) as they are higher in mercury.
Purchase organic strawberries and apples.
Refer to the Environmental Working Group or Consumer Reports websites to stay current about which fruits and veggies are most important to eat organic.

Skin Care and Makeup

Use low-toxin makeup and skin creams (avoid products with phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, alcohols, and fragrances).
In general, skin care products from health food stores without the above ingredients are a safer bet.
Consider using antioxidant creams on your skin, such as low solvent products with CoQ10, Vitamin C, possibly DMAE, and botanical squalene.

Antiperspirants and Deodorant

Avoid aluminum-containing antiperspirants and antacids. Since virtually all antiperspirants contain aluminum, it may be advisable to minimize or discontinue use.

Water

Water can have many toxins; regular consumption of unfiltered water can significantly increase your body’s toxic load.
Water quality varies by city, but generally it’s better to filter tap water using a multi-stage carbon filter or reverse osmosis filter.
Avoid bottled water in soft plastic containers as plastics often leach into the water.
Minimize the use of plastic water bottles that have been left in a hot car.
Minimize the use of camel-back type plastic water containers.
Mineral waters in glass bottles are generally safe unless the source quality is questionable.
Drink approximately 6-8 glasses of water or healthy liquids daily. Use glass or ceramic containers when possible.
Filter shower water to reduce exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Plastics

Plastics can disrupt hormones in your body.

Avoid plastic bottles and containers with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 on the bottom, as they are more likely to leach plastics into food, juice, or water.
Buy juices and water in glass containers when possible.
Avoid PVCs (polyvinyl chloride plastics).
Do not microwave food in plastic containers.
Minimize washing plastic containers in the dishwasher under high heat.
Minimize the use of cling wraps; try to use paper wraps instead.

Dental Care

Avoid mercury amalgam fillings.
Get second opinions on root canals.
Avoid, if possible, having two different metals in adjacent teeth.
Choose a dentist who is aware of healthy choices for the mouth—perhaps a more holistic or biologically oriented dentist who does not place new mercury fillings.

Home

Use only green and low-VOC products in a remodel or a new home.
Avoid furniture with particle board or buy used furniture that has had a chance to “off gas.”
Let a new car off gas by keeping the windows open.
Use an air filter such as a HEPA filter with a charcoal filter to clean debris in the air.
Minimize the amount of regular carpet in your home, or use natural carpets.
Avoid using pesticides in your house.

Home or Office Remodel

Use a low- or no-VOC paint and carpet or rug.
Minimize carpet and choose hardwoods but avoid laminates (e.g., Pergo).
Take off shoes at the door to decrease indoor chemicals and pesticides.
Avoid urea formaldehyde in building products.
Change the filter on your furnace every 3 months, using the best allergy furnace filter you can find.

Electromagnetic Fields

For patients with headaches or regional pain, decrease exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields:

Minimize cell phone use.
Minimize your use of portable phones at home and shift to corded phones.
Take the clock radio away from the head of your bed.
Get the fields measured in a potential new car before you buy it.

Home Allergens

Things to do to decrease allergen exposure in the home

Houseplants – keep on the dry side to decrease mold growth. Keep out of the bedroom due to mold sensitizing.
Christmas trees – grow mold quickly.
Blue jean buttons – use clear nail polish on the back to prevent skin exposure to nickel.
Perfume – minimize use due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Candles – as allergenic as cigarettes.
Soaps and detergents – choose ones without phthalates.
Carpeting – get rid of it due to dust mites and accumulated dust/allergens.
Spices – key offenders include coriander, poppy seeds, pepper, paprika, cumin, and saffron.
Wall paint – contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Beer and alcohol – corn, barley, rye, and agave (used for tequila) are all high in sulfur dioxide.
Dry-cleaned clothes – air out outside with plastic off before bringing inside.
HVAC filters – change every three months minimum (with the changing seasons).
Pets – keep out of the bedroom!

Are toxins affecting you?

“One’s sleep position will dictate how a traditional pillow can be used to provide the appropriate support”

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Are toxins affecting you?

“One’s sleep position will dictate how a traditional pillow can be used to provide the appropriate support”

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Benefits of massage therapy

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