How to limit your exposure to chemicals, like Phthalates

Here are some tips to protect yourself from phthalates!

To learn more about phthalates & the long-term effects on your health check out my prior post here.

Phthalates are really hard to avoid because they are everywhere. Most everyday items contain plastic and thus likely contain phthalates too. Phalates are in fast foods, processed foods (like meats), scented candles, scented shampoos, etc.

The long-term effects of phthalates are still being investigated and appear to impact health when found in high levels...but the best thing you can do is LIMIT your exposure! Check out my post to learn about some of the health effects.

It's hard to not expose yourself to phthalates but be careful when you can with these tips: (the goal is to really go as NATURAL as possible)

-Choose products that are are scent-free or fragrance-free when you can

-Avoid using products that say "scented with “parfum” or “natural fragrances” Use products scented with real fruits, flowers or oils

-Skip scented candles in the home if you can (this can also be terrible for people with allergies). Use fresh flowers or oils instead to freshen up your home!

Avoid use of vinyl flooring in the house. If you have vinyl flooring, put down a mat or sheet when your child is laying/playing on the floor

-Don't buy plastic teethers & toys. That's you, rubber ducky! If you do buy these products make sure they are made from natural rubber or silicone

-Avoid using plastic food wrappings (like plastic bags or saran wrap) to store/carry food. Use paper towels, paper bags or tissue paper for food when you can

-Choose to drink beverages in glass rather than plastic 

-Don't reheat foods in plastic containers. Use glass containers to reheat food when you can

-Store food in glass containers or metal containers, avoid using plastic containers

-Don't put plastic items, especially tupperware, in the dishwasher (even if it says dishwasher safe). Plastic can melt at high temperatures and the chemicals might then leak into our food!

-Avoiding eating fast food when you can and prepare more meals at home

-Avoid eating highly processed foods (like cold cuts)

-Read the labels of your makeup, nail polish and hairspray. Make sure the term "phthalate" is not written anywhere

Hope that information helps! 

Please feel free to ask any questions & ask/follow me @Doctor_Deena on Twitter or Instagram :)

**PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND/OR BEFORE STARTING OR STOPPING ANY TREATMENT OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER*