Health has become one of the most searched for topics on the internet in recent years. With approximately 7 percent of Google’s daily search queries being about health, more and more people turn to the web for answers to their health-related questions.
However, one of the things that most people overlook is that while addressing health issues is essential, it is equally vital to know how our immediate environment affects our bodies. Since we spend the majority of our lives in our homes, let’s look at four ways to create a healthier home.
1. Reduce the use of plastic
Plastic usage has shot up exponentially in the last few debates. However, recent studies have shown that both bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates commonly found in household plastics may disrupt your hormone balance and adversely affect your health.
Did you know that these two chemicals may disrupt your endocrine system, increasing the risk of you getting any one or more of up to eighty diseases! A scary thought, isn’t it? Here are a few tips to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals from plastic:
– Use ceramic and glass containers to microwave and store food
– Avoid plastic food containers as much as you can
– Eat fresh food as much as you can and avoid plastic-wrapped processed foods
2. Allow enough lighting
Proper lighting is essential to create a pleasant atmosphere in your house and for overall good health. You should ensure that your home gets sufficient sunlight during the day.
At night consider using light sources like the A21 light bulb that emit wavelengths that will provide your body with the same circadian benefits that you’d get from sun rays.
3. Do regular cleaning of the germy places in your home
Certain areas in your home may become a breeding place for germs if not cleaned regularly. As a result, your family may inadvertently end up suffering from various illnesses.
Some of the potential germy areas may not be immediately obvious to you, but you should clean such germy places regularly. A few of these are:
a. The humble dishrag
Most dishrags are rinsed with water only after washing dishes. However, you should disinfect and deep clean them regularly to ensure that they are as clean as possible. If possible, dry your dishcloths directly under the sun to kill any germs in them.
b. Your toothbrush holder
A toothbrush holder may contain yeast, mold, and other germs since your toilet perhaps have more germs than anywhere else in your home. Sanitize the holder in your dishwasher or with warm water and soap regularly. If possible, keep your toothbrush far away from your toilet.
c. Pet toys and feeding bowls
Pet toys can become host to coliform bacteria and also mold and yeast. Clean your pet’s toys with the help of hot water and soap every week. Wash your pet’s bowls with your hands or a dishwasher daily to keep them spic and span.
Rinse the bowls properly and dry them in the air to ensure that harmful bacteria don’t grow in them.
4. Liberally use indoor plants to purify your air
Were you aware that indoor air pollution might be up to five times greater than outdoor air pollution? To get around this serious issue, you should consider using air-purifying indoor plants.
Indoor plants like Aloe Vera, Peace Lilies, English Ivy, and many others help remove toxins from inside your house. Indoor plants, in general, filter the air you breathe inside your home by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide.
In summary
Your home is probably the one place where you’ll spend most of your living years. Hence, the simple tips given in this article will help you ensure that you and your family live in a healthier home.
