Celebrate World Health Day with Natural Cleaning & Detox Tips! 🧽🧹

Every year on April 7th, World Health Day serves as a reminder of the importance of making healthy choices for ourselves and our environment. One area where small changes can have a big impact is household cleaning. By switching to natural cleaning methods, you can reduce harmful chemical exposure, protect your family's health, and support a more sustainable world.

The air warms, the birds start singing, and the sun rises earlier and earlier… Spring is here! With the annual arrival of spring, many folks start to think about spring cleaning. The winter months, especially for those living in the north, are often cold and overcast with long nights. To help toss aside those winter blues, open some windows and get to cleaning! Keeping busy and airing out the house is a great way to refresh your mood and get ready for summer.

Now, one thing that is becoming more and more important in many households is to limit or avoid chemical cleaners. These compounds have been linked to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and fertility issues among others. Public demand for healthier products is increasing, and it's estimated the market value for sustainable cleaning products will be $111.2 billion (USD) by 2026. For perspective, the projected total market value for all cleaning products in 2026 is estimated at $207.3 billion (USD).

Why Clean with Natural Substances?

Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can negatively impact air quality and contribute to long-term health problems. Natural cleaning alternatives, such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, offer an effective way to maintain a clean home without the risks associated with synthetic chemicals.

The Benefits of Cleaning Naturally 🧼

• Better Indoor Air Quality – Many household cleaners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to allergies or asthma.

• Safer for Children & Pets – Young children and pets are particularly vulnerable to toxic chemicals found in traditional cleaners since they spend more time on floors and surfaces.

• Environmentally Friendly – Natural cleaning products reduce chemical runoff into waterways and minimize plastic waste when you opt for DIY solutions.

• Cost-Effective – Homemade cleaning solutions often use inexpensive ingredients you already have in your pantry, like lemon juice and vinegar.

The Hidden Dangers of Chemical Cleaning Products

Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to chemical cleaning agents can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even developmental concerns in children. According to a study published in PubMed, custodians who frequently use traditional cleaning products report higher incidences of respiratory and skin symptoms compared to those using environmentally preferable alternatives. Over time, these chemicals can contribute to chronic health problems, making the switch to natural cleaning even more crucial.

A few examples of harsh chemicals used in cleaning products are:

1. Sodium hypochlorite - This chemical is used in chlorine bleach and is linked to respiratory problems.

2. Quaternary ammonium compounds - Otherwise known as quats, this class of chemicals has been linked to reproductive issues and harm in animals. These quats can be found in laundry products, sanitizers, and even disinfectants.

3. Acids - These corrosive agents can be used in toilet cleaners, oven scrubbers, drain cleansers, etc, and can cause severe lung, skin and eye damage. Examples are sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. 

4. Volatile Organic Compounds - Otherwise known as VOCs, these can be released from chemical cleaning products. VOCs vaporize at room temperature and have been linked to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches.

You can learn about more chemicals to watch out for from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) (https://www.ewg.org).

How to Find or Make Natural Cleaning Products 🍋

Choosing to use natural products with fewer chemicals helps create a healthier home. Most cleaning solutions can be made at home using common household ingredients. A lot of households have natural cleaning products sitting right on their shelf. Below is a list of cleaning agents. Recipes using one or more of the suggestions below can be found online via a simple search.

• Baking Soda - Known as sodium bicarbonate, this white powder is useful for many different applications. It is gentle but slightly abrasive, making it good for scrubbing sinks, pots and pans, ovens, stoves, and tubs. Baking soda can also be used as a deodorizer for the trash can or refrigerator. Due to its abrasive quality, it shouldn't be used on surfaces that will easily scratch like glass, precious metals, electronics, etc. If you need more scrubbing powder, you can add salt to your scrub as it is more abrasive than baking soda alone.

• Vinegar - Distilled white vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent. It's acidic, making it great for rust and hard water stains. Vinegar is also a natural disinfectant and helps eradicate odors due to microbial growth. Use straight distilled vinegar in a spray bottle and mist it in rooms to freshen the air. Please note that cleaning vinegar is stronger than the white vinegar found in the baking aisle. It can contain up to 6% acetic acid and is more concentrated. Use caution if you use cleaning vinegar. Notably, don't use vinegar on natural stone or rubber surfaces as it can damage those materials.

• Lemon Juice - Lemons are naturally antimicrobial and have a mild bleaching action. Cut a lemon in half, and you can use it on counters or cutting boards as a cleaner. Let the juice sit on the surfaces for a bit, then rinse clean. It can sit on wood cutting boards longer to help eliminate stains. Lemon juice is also a great degreasing agent. Never use lemon juice on brass-plated items (solid brass is okay) or natural stone counters.

• Hydrogen Peroxide - Although this is a man-made chemical, hydrogen peroxide is a cheap, easy-to-use cleaner. Hydrogen peroxide is a great pre-treatment for stains when doing the laundry. It works well on grass, wine, or even blood stains. It can also help make white clothes brighter during the washing cycle. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a glass cleaner.

A Treat for Your Health: Strawberry Rhubarb Pancakes! 🥞🍓

Eating well is another essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and what better way to celebrate World Health Day than with a delicious, nutrient-packed breakfast? Our Strawberry Rhubarb Pancakes combine the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Find the full recipe below!

Detoxing for a Healthier Life

Cleaning your home naturally is just one step in reducing toxin exposure. Supporting your body's detoxification system is another vital component of overall wellness. Learn more about proper detoxing techniques in this video from Stephen Smith, Retired M.D.. (In Klaviyo, this will be placed in the video area and will reference here that the video is below).

For those looking to take their detox efforts a step further, explore our top detox supplements to support your body’s natural cleansing process.

Additional Reading

For more insights on detoxing and maintaining a clean, healthy lifestyle, check out these helpful resources:

• Liver Detox Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid

• Best Detox Diet Plan for a Healthy Cleanse

• All About Body Cleansing

This World Health Day, make a commitment to reducing toxins in your home and body. By choosing natural cleaning products and supporting your health with mindful detoxing, you can take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, healthier future!

MONTHLY RECIPE

Strawberry Rhubarb Pancakes

These pancakes contain absolutely no refined sugar and can be made vegan or gluten-free. Serve them with your favorite toppings and share them with your family on the weekends. These simple-to-make breakfast treats will soon become a staple in your home!

Prep: 10 Min. Cook: 30 Min. Total: 40 Min. Servings: 3

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup stewed rhubarb
• 2 cups dairy-free milk
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp. real maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 egg
• Coconut oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients together in a blender and pulse until combined. Be careful not to overblend.

2. In a pan on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and 1/4 cup pancake batter. If the batter is too runny, feel free to add more flour to the mixture.

3. Spread the batter thin–the pancakes will cook better if they are spread thinly like a crepe. Once bubbles form on the top of the pancake, flip it over and allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes or until both sides are nicely brown.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the batter is gone. Divide up the pancakes and serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes:

• Gluten-free flour is a great substitute in this recipe. Consider using a 1-to-1 ratio of gluten-free replacement flour instead of regular flour (Bob's Red Mill has a great one).

• Sugar-free applesauce makes a good substitute for stewed rhubarb but it will take more flour to keep the mixture from getting runny.

• Any variation of dairy-free milk works great with this recipe, though coconut is a personal preference.

• A flax egg can be used instead of a regular egg. A flax egg is simply 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds added to 3 tablespoons of water (once it sits for 5 minutes it is ready to be used).

• Consider topping the pancakes with the following before serving: coconut yogurt, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.), honey, maple syrup