Here are some of the ways in which we can create a healthier home habitat:

•  Discard the “nonstick” pans and replace them with either stainless steel or cast-iron pans. Nonstick pans are full of chemicals that leech into your food and contribute to the toxic load within your body.

•  Avoid plastic Tupperware, plastic water bottles and plastic cookware/spatulas. Plastic (even the variety which claims to be “microwave/dishwasher/food-safe”) contains compounds which disrupt our hormones and mimic estrogen. The safest alternative to plastic containers is glass (even glass water bottles), and safer options for spatulas include bamboo (which is also sustainably grown) and silicone. 

•  Discard that countertop Brita water filter and invest in a Berkey Gravity Filtration System, or a Reverse Osmosis System. Unfortunately, there are few places left in this country where water is clean and healthy enough to drink straight from the faucet.  

•  Use eco-friendly and natural cleaning products; or better yet, make them at home with water, alcohol, vinegar and essential oils. Chemicals found in cleaning agents are at the top of the World Health Organization’s list of agents which contribute to indoor air pollution.

•  Decorate your home with indoor plants―not only do they provide a spot of nature within the home, but many of them also purify the air within the home so as to provide a cleaner atmosphere. 

•  Finally, invest in a HEPA air filter. Indoor air quality is far worse than outdoor air quality because the air is polluted with chemicals and trapped inside. Using an air filter to clean the air within your home provides another avenue towards a healthier home environment.   

 Dr. Houtaneh Houtan, ND, and Dr. Jennifer Phillips practice naturopathic medicine at the Merchantville Medical Wellness Center, in Merchantville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 856-488-7067 or visit NaturopathyNJ.com.