Health in the Home - Part I

As a Naturopathic Doctor I fully believe in being fully informed regarding your health. In today's society we are exposed to more chemicals and pollutants than ever before. A lot of this we cannot change, but some of it we can. Food, in particular should be something very nourishing. If you're interested in eating healthy, avoiding toxins in your food is the next step to optimal health. Here are a few tips to make you more aware of the environment's impact on your health and ways you can decrease exposure to toxins in your food:

1. Plastics. Some plastics contain BPA, which is linked with cancer. Plastic also mimics estrogen in the body and has been linked to early onset of menses, painful periods, and obesity. What can you do? Do not heat or microwave in plastic, as this promotes it to leach into your foods. Instead, use glass containers or dishware. If you drink tea or use boiled water daily, make sure your kettle is stainless steel. Plastics labeled 3 or 7 are the ones to avoid completely.

2. Skip non-stick. Non-stick cookware contains the chemical PFOA and can emit toxic fumes which cause flu like illness in humans but is toxic to pet birds. It has also been linked to cancer, birth defects, and increased cholesterol. What can you do? Cook with stainless steel or cast iron instead. Otherwise, do not overheat your non-stick meals.

3. Produce. Pesticide residue can be found on your healthiest foods - fruit and veggies! Pesticides have been linked to health conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, hormones, and cancer. What can you do? Avoid this chemical by knowing which items have the most and least amount of pesticides. Learn the dirty dozen and clean 15. Buy the dirty dozen organic and feel confident eating the clean 15 conventionally.

4. Fish. Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which protect the body from inflammation and are exceptionally healthy fats. Make sure you have fish in your diet, but avoid ones that have mercury and BPA. What can you do? Eat wild fish instead of farmed. Farmed fish are fed contaminated meals. Use the chart below for learning low mercury containing fish:

5. Water. It's true that your body needs 8 glasses of water per day. But, you want to make sure the fluid that you're bathing your cells in is clean. What can you do? Avoid bottled water, as there is no guarantee that is any different than your tap water. Instead, use a charcoal filter (e.g. Brita) or reverse osmosis system. Drink out of glass or stainless steel.

Naturopathic doctors are specialists in environmental health. If you think you have been exposed to toxic levels of any of the above seeing a naturopathic doctor for a comprehensive assessment and treatment protocol is essential. Otherwise, follow these tips to promote optimal wellness and prevent any future health problems.

Stay tuned for more tips for other areas of your home in my next blog.

Yours in health,

Sarah Oulahen, HBHSc, ND

Naturopathic doctor at SOW Health