Jennie James

Jennie James

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Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health

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This isn't a list to help you downsize. This list is actually of things that could actually make you sick.

Old plastic containers. Toss anything made of clear, rigid plastic, and stamped with a 7 or "pc" (stands for polycarbonate) because these are the types of containers that may contain BPA. And multiple trips through the dishwasher can up leeching of the chemical. 

Air fresheners. Companies have recently announced they're phasing out phthalates, which are used to help fragrance linger longer, but in large doses may have harmful effects on reproduction or development. 

Antibacterial soap. Triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial cleansers, has been shown to alter hormone regulation in animals, and there's also concern that the chemical may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Your stash of diet soda. Non-caloric sweeteners such as saccharin (Sweet-n-Low), sucralose (Splenda), and aspartame (Equal) may mess with the gut bacteria that play a key role in healthy metabolism.

Frayed toothbrush. Worn-out brushes are less effective at cleaning teeth and fighting off decay.

Old Mascara. Liquid makeup, including mascara, can harbor a lot of germs.

Old sunscreen. The chemicals that block the sun break down over time, so no matter how much you slather on, it's not going to protect your skin from aging or cancer risk.

Stretched-out bras. The elastic in bras can get stretched out over time (the washing machine speeds up this process) which means less support for your girls. Replacing your bra will help reduce back pain in heavier women, and can slow the natural process of aging in breast tissue.

Check out the rest of the list HERE.


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