We often overlook the importance of having a healthy home when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle.
Not sure what I mean? Obviously the first thing that usually springs to mind when we talk about health is changing your diet and starting to exercise, however as with most things, being healthy begins at home.
Looking at your home and how you can make changes is the first place to begin because without you knowing it, the reason you keep getting colds or the reason someone in your house is suffering from allergies could be because of your home. Do you know how healthy your home is? Here are a few tips to get you started:
Use Water Filters
Water is one of the most important things, if not the most essential thing in our life. It basically keeps us alive, so surely you would want the best quality water you can for you and your family. Water filtration can not only provide better tasting and better smelling water to drink by removing chlorine, chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, and bacterial contaminants, but it can also significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers including rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer by removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts such as Trihalomethanes (THMs). Drinking pure water is especially vital for children. Water filters provide the healthiest water for children as they grow and are developing their immune systems.
Be Aware Of Pests
Termites may bite and sting, but they are not known to carry diseases harmful to humans. However, people who are living in homes which are infested by termites can suffer from allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Heating or ventilation systems can also contribute to the spread of irritating particles and dust from termite nests. Some people may even be allergic to termite saliva or droppings. Although preventing termites may not be seen as an essential step in protecting personal health, doing so can lower the risk of unwanted health problems. Termites can do severe damage in short periods of time, and prevention is always cheaper than cure. It's important to get regular termite inspections. If you do find termites though, do not disturb the them or spray with any form of insecticide as they need be identified to understand what will be the most appropriate treatment by a qualified technician.
Let the Fresh Air In
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a difference is to simply open a window. Airing out and letting fresh air into the home is very important, so airing blankets and pillows outside each day, or opening your windows, regardless of the outside temperature is very beneficial. First of all, it let's out stale air because air which is locked in the home has been "used" and doesn't contain as much oxygen as the fresh air from the outside.
By opening your windows and shaking out bedding, rugs and cushions, you can also help reduce mould growth as it loves to grow in warm, dark, and moist conditions such as mattresses. Sleeping on a bed of mould every night can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Opening the windows is also a great way to remove dust and reduce condensation, which can lead to damp windows and window frames, and therefore black mould. For you personally as well, having fresh air in the home means there are higher levels of oxygen and having increased ventilation in the home can also help improve concentration and has been shown to improve blood pressure and heart rate, promote a stronger immune system, encourage higher serotonin levels, which improves mood, and even aids in digestion!
Live With Plants
A healthy home is one with plenty of plant life inside and outside. Plants can help filter the air indoor as they absorb CO2 and as well looking beautiful. Houseplants are good for your health because they eliminate harmful toxins and freshen up the air. Research from NASA shows that houseplants can remove up to 87 percent of air toxin in just 24 hours. Indoor plants are also known for reducing stress levels and boosting your mood — which makes them perfect for a happy and healthy home. Plants with broad leaves will help to regulate humidity and will also increase levels of positivity in your home because seeing greenery and nature helps you to feel more relaxed and calm. This means that a few plants in the house can benefit your everyday mood and also means that plants not only serve as a beautiful thing to have in your home but a practical one too. Take a look at the benefits of Peace Lillies, Aloe Vera and Snake Plants for example.
Get An Air Humidifier
Make sure you're breathing in clean air. Fine particulate matter has been linked to both lung issues and heart disease. So investing in the best humidifier can help mitigate the risk. Dry air is also known for causing dry coughs, so when you add humidity to the air, it means that you can get more moisture into your airways, which can make a cough more productive. Increasing the moisture in the air can also help to reduce how much a person snores when they are asleep. If the air in your home is dry, a person's airways won't be as lubricated as they could be, which can make snoring worse. Adding humidity to the air by running a humidifier at night may help to relieve some symptoms. Finally, a humidifier can also help to keep your skin and hair moist. This is useful as many people notice that their lips, skin, and hair become dry and fragile in the winter, not just because of the cold weather but because of heating units inside the house which pump hot, dry air through the house and can make the skin dry, itchy, or flaky.
Get A Pet
According to a study published in the Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, owing a pet has very positive health benefits on people such as improved mood and emotional state, lower blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular risk.
Making small changes and being careful with the products you use and buy can help prevent you and your family from getting sick as well as protect your health in the long run, so if you're thinking about the overall health for you and your family then think bigger than just food and exercise.
What changes have you made around your home to benefit your health?
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