I wonder how many read the ingredient label for the items that are purchased and brought home. I am not talking about food, but other household items, like bath and beauty, toothpaste, mouthwash, detergents and cleaners. If you do read, do you do it (1) out of curiosity; (2) you or a loved one have a serious condition that your health and life depend on it or (3) decided to change to a healthier lifestyle? My guess would be that majority of the consumers, don’t read the ingredient labels only the Price label. With today’s lifestyle and so many families struggling with finances, we race down the aisles of the supermarket or discount stores throwing the well-known and budget friendly products that we have been using over and over again into our cart. These are products that maybe we’ve grown up with; have been suggested by a friend, neighbor or family member; or that we just simply have entrusted the manufacturer with the statements they make in their advertising.
Should we be reading all these labels? That's debateable. But we should make an effort to know what type of chemicals are being placed into these products for our own well being and our family’s well being. Of course, reading the labels is not an easy task. You must be familiar with the scientists’ lingo, in order to comprehend and understand the definition of an ingredient. Hey, maybe they should publish a pocket ingredient dictionary/translator. You know similar to the one a tourist carries when visiting a foreign country. Anyone know if one exists and where you can purchase one?
It was only recently when a friend of mine made a comment that made me stop, think and be more conscious of the products I am bringing home to my family and home. She said, “By the time you leave your bathroom, you have exposed and allowed your body to ingest hundreds of chemicals with the soaps, shampoos, shaving creams, toothpaste, perfume, makeup, etc that you used." And she was right. According to a study in the UK, women will wear about 500 chemicals and most are oblivious to it. I know I was!
Only about 4,000 of 84,000 reported chemicals used in American workplaces, have been evaluated for reproductive effects in men or women. Could some of the unknown birth defects and disabilities be related to the other 80,000 chemicals?
Some of the chemicals we are told to watch out for and avoid are nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), ammonia, chlorine bleach, DEA, TEA, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid, Parabens, Phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DMP, DEP), DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Triclosan (linked to breast cancer), Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, DEA (diethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine), Formaldehyde (linked to some baby products), PEGs (polyethylene glycol), and anything with "glycol" or "methyl." Do you know how many of these chemicals are sitting in your home now?
You may find that new “greener, healthier” products out on the market will be higher or even comparable in price to the products you are currently purchasing. But you must look at it in the long run…you will definitely be saving if you make a switch. Less sick days, doctor’s visits/treatments, etc. Being FIT FOR LIFE is not only about the food we eat, the exercise or activities we do or don't do, but also the products that our bodies come in contact with. Let me take you shopping that's simpler, safer and more economical for your family, home and earth!
Here's to a Healthier and Better You!
DIANE
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