The New Detox: How to safeguard your health.

WE EAT THEM, DRINK THEM, BREATHE THEM IN AND APPLY THEM TO OUR SKIN – SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS ARE ALL AROUND US, BUT MAKING INFORMED CHOICES ABOUT THE PRODUCTS YOU USE COULD HELP SAFEGUARD YOUR FUTURE HEALTH

From pesticide residues in our fruit and vegetables, to hormone-disrupting chemicals in household cleaning products, it can be exhausting trying to keep up with the latest health warnings for everyday items. The truth is, synthetic chemicals can be found in everything from food to cosmetics, furniture, electronics and even our childrens’ toys. While many of these chemicals are widely considered to be harmless, numerous studies have shown that they could pose a threat to our health. A recent study by the University of Buffalo indicates that exposure to insecticides could put us at a higher risk of developing diabetes* while a University of Alabama study has found that parabens may increase the risk of developing breast cancer**. While it’s difficult to avoid coming into contact with synthetic chemicals completely, learning about those that are considered to be potentially harmful can help you make informed decisions about what to buy.

Pared-down plates

One of the best places to start is with your diet. Recent research

commissioned by Greenpeace Japan found that switching from a conventional diet to an organic one can significantly reduce the amount of pesticides in the body*** – especially among children.

“Ecological food that is locally grown, without agrochemicals and antibiotics, can minimise exposure to these chemicals, as well as any risks like those associated with glyphosate – a probable carcinogen,” said Davin Hutchins, Food Campaigner at Greenpeace International.

As well as being blessed by having an increasing number of organic fruit and vegetable suppliers in the UAE, from Ripe to Greenheart Organic Farms, greater responsibility towards consumer wellbeing is also being adopted by supermarkets.

“We should aim to have the cleanest possible food in our diet,” says Freda Molamphy, the in-house nutritionist at Spinneys. “Our meat and fish is free from added hormones and our ‘clean declaration’ to our customers describes our commitment to removing all artificial colours, flavours, negative fats such as trans fats and hydrogenated fats from our food, along with anything that has been proven to have a damaging effect on the body, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG). Our food contains only natural colours and flavours.”

If you can’t buy all organic food, Asma Hilal Lootah, founder and owner of The Hundred Wellness Centre (www. thehundred.ae) says: “Spend on the 12 products that are known to have the highest levels of pesticides: peaches, apples, cucumbers, nectarines, strawberries, grapes, celery, potatoes, spinach, sweet bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and snap peas.”

When it comes to cooking, bear in mind that the majority of non-stick cookware and utensils are coated in perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which may be linked to cancer and other health problems****. Opt for 100% ceramic coated or PTFE- and PFOA-free non-stick cookware instead. Use Pyrex, glass, silicon or stainless steel containers to cook and store food in. If you must use plastic, don’t microwave it and don’t re-use water bottles. “I avoid drinking out of plastic whenever possible,” says Asma. “Especially living in such a hot country, when plastic heats and the chemicals can be released into the drink, so the mineral water you think you are drinking may contain a handful of harmful chemicals as well. This is also better for the environment as glass bottles can be re-used over and over again.”

Home beautiful

While the generation before us will have taken a kitchen cupboard approach to cleaning the house, we have been brought up in a world where bleach is the new vinegar.

“When using cleaning chemicals in the home, make sure you purchase from a recognised supplier as this way you know it has been approved for use,”says Freda Molamphy.“Being more aware of chemicals can come down to individual sensitivity. To try and limit the amount you use, read the label carefully and use as directed. If it says to use a pea-sized amount, for instance, stick to that.”

If you regularly call upon cleaning companies for a helping hand, check out Eco Maid (www.ecomaidme.com), a toxin and carcinogen-free eco-friendly maid service in Dubai, which uses citrus and mineral-based cleaners imported from Europe and New Zealand. We all want our homes to smell inviting, but there are no safe commercial air fresheners, according to the Environmental Working Group. Keep your windows and doors open as much as possible to get the air circulating, decorate your home with green house plants that act as natural air detoxifiers and place bowls of herbs around the home to add a pleasant fragrance.

Dishing the dirt on beauty

When it comes to looking after our skin, parabens have been in the spotlight for some time and despite the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association stating that “all cosmetic and toiletry products containing parabens may continue to be used safely”, there is still an element of skepticism.

According to Breast Cancer UK, parabens are known Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), which can wreak havoc with hormones and may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. If you’re concerned, opt for paraben-free products where possible and also look out for butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben on ingredient lists and try and steer clear. This goes for everything from deodorant to toothpaste, cosmetics, hair products, nail polish and perfumes.

“Our sweat glands are made to release toxins, so when we clog them up with a product, moreover an aerosol product, we are clogging up one of our body’s natural ways of getting rid of unwanted toxins,” adds Asma. “Aerosols are also harmful to the environment, so I am happier using a roll-on, non-spray deodorant knowing it’s helping the world around me as well.”

There are also concerns around sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and its toxicity when combined with other ingredients found in personal care products. If in doubt, phase it out.

“When swapping parabens, formaldehyde and SLS for natural and organic ingredients, it commonly takes up to three weeks for all of the nasties to be completely removed from the hair follicles,” says Gemma O’Dwyer, Brand Manager at Rahua, a range of chemical-free hair care products containing plant-derived ingredients sourced sustainably from the Amazon rainforest.

There’s lots of choice when it comes to chemical free beauty products in the UAE. Holland & Barrett, for instance, takes a cruelty free approach to beauty and only stocks products that are completely free from parabens and SLS. If you can’t always find what you’re looking for, simply choose the unscented option. Pay particular attention to the products that you use on your whole body on a daily basis, like body lotion.

“Ultimately, aim to limit your exposure to chemicals to avoid a cumulative effect,” says Freda. “If you’re concerned, simply go back to basics. Baking soda is great for deodorising your fridge and doing the scouring with, while lemon is has anti-bacterial properties and vinegar cuts through grease and mold. You can even sprinkle cornflower on soft furnishings to help absorb stains before vacuuming it up. Make your own body scrub by mixing brown sugar and olive oil and, when doing the laundry, steer clear of harsh detergents.” Start by making one change at a time and, by the end of the year, you will have dramatically reduced your exposure to harmful chemicals.

“START BY MAKING ONE CHANGE AT A TIME AND, BY THE END OF THE YEAR, YOU WILL HAVE DRAMATICALLY REDUCED YOUR EXPOSURE TO HARMFUL CHEMICALS”