We live in a commercialism-driven world where we are constantly being told what to buy. These things are sold to us like our lives are dependent on it, regardless of its usability in our lives. The idea behind it is not to make our lives better, but rather to maximize profits. Hence, these companies are aiming for profits at the cost of the quality of their products. There are many products that we are currently using in our households that do not adhere to the quality standards. The quality standard of a product shouldn’t only depend on its durability but also the health hazards it poses to its users. Believe it or not, lots of the products that we use in our lives are failing miserably in that capacity. Our houses are packed with things that are harming us. But due to lack of information, we continue to buy and use these things. Some of those things have been listed below.
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are extremely bad for our health. Companies invest heavily into positive marketing for affirming the thought that these are good for us. But, it still doesn’t change the fact. Artificial sweeteners contain components like aspartame or sucralose (splenda). These components might provide sweetness without any added calories, but these tablets are enabling our bodies to be insulin insensitive which increases the risk of type-2 diabetes by several folds. Other than diabetes, these artificial sweeteners also increase the risk of other conditions like obesity, Alzheimer’s etc.
2. Plastic Bottles And Containers
Plastic is one of the most harmful inventions by mankind. It has definitely increased our convenience but now it has started to hurt us back in a big way. Plastic contains harmful chemicals like pthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA) and bisphenol-S (BPS). These chemicals can wreak havoc on the endocrine system. These chemicals can create reproductive health problems, hypertension, hyperactivity, diminished IQ in children and cancer of the prostrate, breast and thyroid. Even the ‘BPA-Free’ containers are bad for our health because of their leaching chemicals. Thus, you can switch to glass bottles for safeguarding yourself and your family from plastic.
3. Antibacterial Soaps
Constantly cleaning our surroundings with antibacterial soaps out of our germ phobia can cause more harm than sanitation. These antibacterial products contain a chemical called triclosan. Triclosan is a potentially harmful chemical that has been linked to several diseases and conditions. It has been found to disrupt hormones in pregnant women. It has also been linked to several other conditions like allergies, thyroid dysfunction, weight gain etc. So, it is important that we develop our immunity to fight infections rather than disinfecting our surroundings constantly.
4. Health Care Products
Skin care products get direct access to our bodies through our skin. Hence, every ingredient present in a skin care product has the power to make a difference to our bodies. Women use a big list of skin care products. And this habit can load their bodies up with a huge amount of heavy metals as most of the beauty products contain heavy metals. These can take a toll on our bodies. So, minimize the use of chemicals. You can use coconut oil instead of expensive products for your hair care. It is alright to put your health before vanity.
5. Gadgets
Electromagnetic radiation from electronic gadgets are harmful for the internal system and the brain. Researchers are constantly finding links to the use of gadgets and persistent health problems. According to a research published by the World Health Organization in 2011, electromagnetic waves from phones are possibly carcinogenic (Class 2B) to humans. Hence, it is better we keep the usage of our phones to a minimum for better mental and physical health.
It is not possible to say bye to all the harmful things all at once. But, we can use our knowledge to empower us and keep the usage to minimal for a healthier tomorrow.
