Eliminating Household Toxins in the Kitchen

1.) Choose cookware with ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel surfaces. (Avoid using cast iron if your iron levels are high.)

2.) Cook at lower temperatures and avoid overheating non-stick pans.

Phthalates

Found in food packaging can migrate into the contents and disrupt the endocrine system. Long-term exposure may contribute to reproductive problems and developmental issues.

Tips:

1.) Opt for fresh, whole foods and reduce reliance on packaged goods.

2.) Store food in glass or stainless steel containers to minimize contact with plastic.

Synthetic Pesticides

Pesticides on fruits and vegetables can pose health risks, including neurological issues, reproductive problems, and certain cancers.

Tips:

1.) Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.

2.) Consider choosing organic produce to reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides.

Chemical Cleaners

Many conventional kitchen cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia and chlorine, which can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to indoor air pollution.

Tips:

1.) Use natural cleaning alternatives such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for routine kitchen cleaning.

2.) Look for eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.

Household Dust

Dust can contain all the above plus dead skin cells.

Tips:

1.) Use a hoover with HEPA filter.

2.) Take your shoes and coats off in the porch.

3.) Air the house.

4.) Wash beddings regularly.

There are other toxins in the house like mould, beauty products, hair dyes, sun creams.

Where to start?

I would recommend picking the kitchen and focus on that first.

Quick tips to remember:

1.) If you have plastic cups that you use for your children, consider replacing with glass if your children are old enough of course.

2.) If you batch cook, make sure that you cool down your food before putting in plastic containers or use glass ones (but leave enough space in the container to allow the food to expand, otherwise these can crack).

3.) Use your plastic containers for cereals, breadcrumbs, dry food to reduce plastic leaching into you food.

4.) Hot coffee that you drink from your travel cup that has plastic mouth can also be corroded by the hot acidic drink, so consider taking the lid off when drinking.

5.) No need to replace all your cookware straight away but if you have a few old tefal saucepans that have seen better days, buy some that are stainless steal or cast iron or even ceramic.

6.) Remove plastic packaging of the fruit and veg when you get home.

7.) Use a charcoal water filter for your water. It is a cheap and natural way to clean your water.

And remember, take it step by step. You cannot avoid all of these toxins, but being aware of where they are will allow you to make informed choices when shopping for products.

I hope this helped. If you have any questions about this, send me a message!