Many of us spend a significant portion of our lives at home. If we sleep there for approximately 8 hours daily, that’s one-third of our time in a single environment, every day—one-third of our entire life in one particular space.
As a naturopath, I address people’s health holistically. This extends beyond nutrition, herbs, and testing to include assessing the environment one lives in to understand how it impacts overall health and wellbeing. Small changes at home can make profound differences in our daily lives, energy levels, and wellness. Let’s explore some of the most effective changes I recommend to my patients.
Open Your Windows
Most homes, especially modern ones, are under-ventilated. The air inside becomes stagnant and accumulates chemicals and toxins. Opening windows daily, even slightly during cooler months, allows for fresh air exchange. This simple act:
- Reduces indoor air pollutants
- Decreases humidity
- Prevents mold growth
All of these factors can impact your immune function and general health with chronic exposure.
Additionally, opening windows allows natural light to enter your home. In modern Western society, we’re typically underexposed to natural sunlight and overexposed to artificial light sources such as LEDs and screens. Sunlight profoundly affects our circadian biology—helping us produce serotonin and melatonin, promoting appropriate cortisol release, all of which impacts our daily energy, cognition, and sleep! Natural light not only feels better but also mitigates some of the effects of artificial light and helps reduce energy bills.
Stainless Steel Cookware
I’ve experimented with many types of cookware over the years. Like most people, I once used Teflon, only to discover its negative health effects. I then tried fancy European ceramic cookware, which wasn’t particularly impressive. Now, I’m a stainless steel convert.
Stainless steel cookware is:
- Nearly indestructible
- Capable of handling high heat
- Free from endocrine and fertility-disrupting “forever chemicals” that can leach into your food
It’s a relatively inexpensive option that’s readily available. By replacing just your three main cooking items with stainless steel, you’ll protect your body from numerous harmful chemicals, and the cookware will last for years!
Reduce EMF Exposure
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a combination of electric and magnetic fields produced whenever electricity is generated or used. Electric fields are created by charged particles, while magnetic fields are produced by electrical current flow. These fields vary greatly in frequency and intensity depending on the source.
As electrical beings ourselves, the chaotic cacophony of signals in modern society can interrupt our bodies’ natural electrical signals, potentially causing a cascade of health issues, including:
- Disruption of the body’s natural electromagnetic signaling
- Increased oxidative stress and inflammation
- Sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm disruption
- Potential links to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and other conditions
Here are some easy-to-implement suggestions to reduce EMF exposure:
- Turn off your Wi-Fi at night, or purchase a Faraday bag to place around your router, reducing the signal by approximately 70%. For maximum protection, consider hardwiring your home’s internet connection.
- Turn off your phone at night. If you must keep it on, don’t sleep with it near your head (distance is key with EMF-emitting devices—the further away, the more the EMF signal diminishes). Keep Bluetooth off when possible and use the speakerphone option to avoid placing your phone directly against your skull and brain. Even phone manufacturers include hidden notices advising against direct contact with your head.
- Avoid carrying phones against your body—keep them out of pockets and be mindful of handbags that rest against your body with your phone inside. Turn your phone off whenever possible.
- Spend time in nature to mitigate EMF exposure. See my other blog post, “Grounding Shields You From EMFs,” for more information.
Be Mindful of Candles
Many conventional scented candles release toxic chemicals into the air when burned. Paraffin wax candles (the most common type) are petroleum-based products that can emit harmful compounds like benzene and toluene. The synthetic fragrances and dyes in these candles often contain phthalates and other chemicals that may disrupt hormones and irritate respiratory systems.
If you enjoy candles and must use conventional ones, always open a window to ventilate the space. Better yet, opt for non-toxic alternatives such as:
- Beeswax candles
- Soy candles (look for 100% soy wax with natural or no fragrances)
- Sand candles, which offer beautiful ambiance without harmful emissions. See Chameleon Sand Candles– I love this brand, they’re local, Aussie and passionate about healthy homes.
Your body will thank you for making this simple switch, especially if you burn candles frequently in your home.
Filtered Water
Our water is contaminated with pharmaceutical residues, heavy metals, bacteria, toxins, and fluoride. You might think tap water is safe—and yes, your body can handle drinking a glass occasionally. However, the concern lies in chronic, ongoing, lifelong exposure to these contaminants.
Over time, even minute amounts of contaminants can affect your health. For example, a small amount of fluoride is manageable, but lifetime exposure to this neurotoxin can be problematic. Long-term consumption of contaminated tap water may lead to various health issues, including increased cancer risk, neurological problems, developmental delays, and reproductive issues.
Invest in a water filtration system—it can be as simple as a high-quality filtration jug (I use the WatersCo My Waters Jug) or, if budget allows, a benchtop filter or under-sink filtration system. Note that reverse osmosis (RO) systems demineralise water, causing it to seek minerals from your body. If you use an RO system, be sure to remineralise your water before drinking it.
These suggestions provide a fantastic starting point for supporting your health through simple household changes. They’re relatively inexpensive yet offer significant long-term benefits. Consider implementing them in your family’s home as an investment in health and wellness that will pay dividends for years to come.
My name is Ash, and I’m a naturopath, medical astrologer, and reiki master based in Kalamunda, Perth Hills. I offer in-person and telehealth appointments. If you’re interested in more ways to support your health and your family’s wellbeing, please contact me or book an appointment today!