Clean Up Your Life
By Wendy LaDue
Some cancers are genetic, but many are caused by our everyday exposure to a high level of toxins. Many people are not aware that these toxins in our foods, personal care products and household cleaning products are cumulative in our bodies and get stored in our cells. That means they may cause cancer after years of exposure.
In my book, “Clean Up Your Life!”, I aim to address this issue. You can use it as a take-along shopping guide to help minimize your everyday household toxins. It can also make you aware of toxins to avoid in common products.
Here’s a little glance:
Fruits and vegetables most at risk of containing higher amounts of pesticides:
• Apples
• Apricots
• Beets
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Collard greens
• Grapes
• Green beans
• Kale
• Lemons and limes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Peppers
Chemicals to avoid in personal hygiene products:
• Sodium lauryl or sodium laurth sulfate. These can be found in toothpaste, shampoo and body wash.
• PEG. This is the main ingredient in antifreeze, and is used in many personal care products.
• Phthalates. This is found in many of our products and is a carcinogenic. It’s been linked to breast cancer, as well as many other cancers. It can be found in fragrances, candles, air fresheners, dish soap and toilet paper.
• Parabens (including methyl parabens). This is a carcinogenic. It’s found in cosmetics, makeup, hair care products, shaving cream and moisturizers.
• Cocamide, MEA, TEA and DEA. These are hormone disruptors, and combined with other chemicals, have been linked to liver cancers and other cancers.
• Triclosan. This is classified as a pesticide. It’s found in antibacterial soaps, mouthwash, body washes, cosmetics and lotions.
• Formaldehyde. This is a carcinogenic. It’s found in household cleaning products, personal care products and nail polish.
• Nitrbenzene. It’s a carcinogenic. It’s found in furniture polish and floor cleaners. SWM
“Clean Up Your Life!” is available locally at Soul Soothings in Manlius and Mother Earth Health Foods in North Syracuse. It’s also available on Amazon and Kindle. To reach Wendy with any questions, email cleanupyourlife.urns@gmail.com.
