A new Dirty Dozen list was released this week by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and it’s full of a dozen things that you may think don’t matter, but really, they do.

In my research and findings of elements that contribute to inflammation and disease in the body, the chemicals on this list showed up again and again… and again. As a country we have become lazy, motivated by convenience and the idea of things that ‘make our live easier’ without questioning if those very things are making us unhealthier in the process. Inflammation in the body starts off silent and can be fed and ‘fueled’ by the foods we eat, stress in our lives and chemicals like these endocrine disrupters listed in this new Dirty Dozen list.

Here’s the Link: http://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors

"There is no end to the tricks that endocrine disruptors can play on our bodies: increasing production of certain hormones; decreasing production of others; imitating hormones; turning one hormone into another; interfering with hormone signaling; telling cells to die prematurely; competing with essential nutrients; binding to essential hormones; accumulating in organs that produce hormones." (EWG article - link above)

While I realize this could be a controversial topic for many who read this, I

offer this question to you: If there is an alternative, why not take it? My daughter has battled an autoimmune disease for the past five years. One of the first things we did was to decrease her (and our family’s) exposure to environmental toxins and you know what?, It made a difference! Her symptoms have been greatly minimized and she feels healthier and her blood work is improved as well. Who wouldn’t want those kinds of results?

Don’t wait until you are diagnosed with a health issue to start making changes. You don’t have to clear out your house tonight, start with the products you most frequently use. Make changes each time you shop. Look for “BPA Free” cans and bottles on products you buy (food and non-food). Next time you buy food storage containers, opt for glass and BPA free. Use a glass or stainless steel (BPA Free) re-usable water bottle container and not only will you reduce toxic exposure, you’ll be helping our environment, too. Look for personal care products that say ‘phthalate free’ and nail polishes that state they are ‘3 Free’, which means they are free of three ‘bad guys’ of chemicals. Switch your non-stick cookware to brands that state they are PFOA and PFC free. Target has a line of ceramic-coated cookware that is available by the piece and is easy on the wallet.

Starting with one change at a time will allow you to gradually improve your health without becoming overwhelmed. Add some healthy eating to the mix and you’ll be better off than you were before you read this… Small changes lead to big differences!