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Household products that can harm lung health

The market has many products to clean the house and keep it smelling fresh. However, not all of them may be as safe as you think. Some cleaners have harsh chemicals and ingredients that can harm you, the other members of your house, and even your pets. So, it is crucial to research well before choosing items to use at home. Here are some common household products that harm lung health and must be avoided.

Cleaning solutions
Most cleaning solutions, including floor, window, countertop, rug, and oven cleaners, have volatile organic compounds that potentially threaten the lungs. When used, volatile organic compounds release harmful gasses into the air, which can worsen COPD symptoms. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term used to describe a group of diseases that block the airflow to the lungs and create breathing-related issues. What is more worrying is that the gasses from volatile organic compounds can have effects that last for years.

Besides volatile organic compounds, household cleaners have ammonia and bleach, ingredients that can be harmful when their quantity is not regulated. Research studies suggest that women who used cleaning products more frequently or worked as professional cleaners and used these products noticed a rapid decline in their lung health as opposed to those women who did not use these cleaning products regularly.

Air fresheners
Air fresheners are a great addition to keep the house smelling fragrant and clean. However, most of the options in the market use chemicals to diffuse the fragrance. Moreover, like the household cleaning solutions discussed above, air fresheners have volatile organic compounds that release harmful gasses into the air, which anyone nearby might inhale.

Benzene, phthalates, and formaldehyde are a few chemicals you may find in air fresheners, which are all harmful to the lungs when inhaled. They can lead to coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms. Further, they can trigger allergy reactions in some people.

Some other ingredients commonly used in household products like air fresheners are as follows:

Phthalates: These are plasticizers that help spread the fragrance in the room. Phthalates are known to affect hormones and may also cause cancer.

Propellants: These are the hydrocarbons responsible for forming the fine mist you see when the air freshener is turned on. Besides damaging the lungs, they can cause severe complications like abnormal heartbeats.

Solvents: Solvents like ethanol and glycol ethers, used for diluting other ingredients in the formula, can cause lung irritation when inhaled.

Aldehydes: This compound is formed naturally when different ingredients are mixed to create a freshener. Aldehydes increase the risk of cancer and act as an irritant to the lung.

Like air fresheners, deodorizers can have detrimental effects on the lungs. Deodorizers are sprayed on the body to eliminate odor and provide a fresh fragrance but use chemicals to achieve this goal. Some brands even use ingredients that can irritate the lungs when inhaled and increase the risk of cancer. Many people are allergic to deodorants and may develop severe discomfort.

Pesticides and insecticides
Pesticides and insecticides help kill germs and pests in the house or the backyard. They play a pretty important role in doing so because germs and pests can lead to diseases. However, like the household products listed above, they use harmful chemicals to get the job done. The common toxins in pesticides and insecticides are organophosphates and pyrethroids. These elements can lead to respiratory damage and symptoms like coughing, acute or chronic lung disease, and shortness of breath.

A study done to understand the effects of these chemicals on smallholder farmers suggested that using them frequently may lead to lung impairment. Therefore, exposure to these chemicals should be prevented or at least regulated. These days, the market has several pesticides and insecticides that use natural formulas to eliminate pests without significantly impacting lung health, making them suitable alternatives.

Safe DIY cleaning products to prevent lung damage
Sadly, most household products, be it cleaners, air purifiers, or pesticides, do not list the ingredients properly on the label, making it hard to choose. So, one of the easiest ways to prevent and regulate exposure to chemicals is by preparing your DIY cleaning products at home using natural ingredients. Here are a few options to try:

Scented all-purpose cleaner
Combine one part white vinegar, one part water, lemon rind, and some rosemary sprigs, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle thoroughly to blend the ingredients and set it aside to infuse for a week. Once infused and fermented, spray the solution to clean hard water stains, wipe away wall smudges, clean your trash can, or sanitize anything you like. But be careful when using it on stainless steel products because some manufacturers advise against vinegar usage. Read the manual of the appliances before cleaning them if unsure.

Kitchen cleaner
Mix four parts of baking soda and a quart of warm water. Then use a clean sponge to absorb this mixture and rub it on the kitchen counter, appliances, fridge, and even taps and sinks. Baking soda makes for a great cleaning agent and is entirely natural. You can even use baking soda to unclog kitchen pipes!

If you’re looking for a lung-friendly air freshener, make an essential oil diffuser at home. But ensure the essential oil is pure. You can also take tiny porous wooden pieces, add drops of essential oil, and let them get mixed in the air naturally and slowly. Alternatively, you can dip wooden sticks in essential oil and place them in the bathrooms or even your room. Unlike store-bought products, these DIY ideas won’t put your lung health at risk. They are also inexpensive and will help you save money in the long term.

Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that donât trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage oneâs time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains oneâs feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel oneâs energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesnât always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Yearâs events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

5 trigger foods for atrial fibrillation

A heartbeat is the contraction of the heart to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. One's heart beats irregularly or quickly when affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition affects millions in our country and is often caused by changes to the heart's tissue or electrical signaling. Eating the following unhealthy foods may trigger or worsen the symptoms and suppress the effects of AFib treatments. Sausages Processed foods like sausages are easy to prepare and can be found in most supermarkets. However, they are unhealthy for people diagnosed with AFib and must be excluded from the meal plan. These foods are high in calories, preservatives, and salts, which may negatively impact the heart. Poor heart health can, in turn, trigger or worsen the condition's symptoms. Besides sausages, other processed foods one should exclude from their meal regime include bacon, ham, and frozen foods like burgers and pizzas. Coffee Coffee is a go-to beverage for those who want a quick energy boost during long hours at work. Studies have shown that controlled amounts of the drink could improve one's health in specific instances. However, too much could lead to excessive caffeine in the body. Since caffeine stimulates the cardiac system, it could trigger episodes of AFib. Drinking coffee may also lead to cardiovascular events like arrhythmias and cardiac complications. Therefore, someone at risk of AFib should limit or stop their coffee intake. Salt Most people add a hint of salt (or more) while cooking or sprinkle it over a meal for added flavor. But the ingredient is among the worst for people at risk of heart conditions. Excess salt intake may enhance the sodium content in the body and elevate blood pressure, a common trigger for health complications like AFib. So, experts recommend reducing salt consumption to manage blood pressure and prevent health complications. Candy bars Candy bars are a popular sweet food that most people enjoy occasionally. However, it is rich in sugars, an unhealthy ingredient for everyone, including those with AFib. Sugar intake may increase the risk of heart disease, which could permanently affect one's life. Apart from candy bars, one could reduce the consumption of cookies, chocolates, cakes, and sugary drinks like sodas. Margarine Individuals often resort to margarine as an alternative to butter. However, one should note that margarine is high in trans fats, which is closely associated with the onset of AFib. Adding too much of the spread to foods may raise LDL (unhealthy) cholesterol and lower HDL (healthy) cholesterol. This could make blood platelets stickier and increase the risk of heart disease, which may trigger potential conditions like AFib. Foods that usually contain excessive amounts of trans fats include those made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, potato chips, burgers, and doughnuts.

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5 trigger foods for atrial fibrillation

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