If you like me thought that toothbrushes and sofas are essential items, you are not alone. In the matrix we all have been victims of several cleverly engineered and well architected products and consumer items that are not actually good for health and wellbeing. Most families and homes will be using the following things that can be detrimental.
- Carpeting: Minute particles and strands of fibre from carpets, rugs and mats on the floor can obstruct air flow in our nose and irritate the respiratory tract. Carpets due to gaps in their fibre bits are also storehouses of tiny particles of dirt, dust, food and millions of germs each day that seldom go away by way of vaccum cleaning or brushing. Painting the floor, clay floor and using eco-friendly minimal floor coverings is helpful as an alternative.
- Cushions: Pillows, mattresses, duvets and cushions seem to comfort and cosy up our homes and provide rest to our head and back. However they can also cause problems in posture and spine as well as arthiritis complaints. They also carry tremendous germs within especially when we lay sleep breathing over them. Sleeping on the floor without mattresses seems to cure moderate health problems.
- Curtains: Thick curtains may look attractive and luxurious in big houses but also are perfect places for pests and insects to hide into and live there, within their folds and linings. They also attract dust and germs by the millions and block valuable sunlight. Negligible curtains or frosted glass may be better for privacy.
- Furniture: Bulky furniture can be an eyesore inspite of the hefty pricetags on the pieces. They are attractors of termites and parasites and store germs and dust in their crevices and create blockages to cleaning the floor and walls properly causing more germs to settle around them. Sitting on floor is better for health and cleanliness or consider using negligible furniture.
- Computer: A phenomenal cause of ocular defects or myopia, neck and spinal problems as well as mental stress are computer screens. Living without computers or with minimal usage cures eye strain and also impacts the mind better. Going computer free unless absolutely essential and for limited times is necessary.
- Smartphones: Microwave radiations and wifi technology can certainly harm us whether 3, 4 or 5 G or any other in future due to the imapct on the brain cells and draining our brain as we are plugged into unnecessary apps and social media. Chargers, cords and cameras connected to gadgets also block free flow of movement around the home. Replacing smartphones with a small old style phone set without apps, only for emergency or important sporadic communication is helpful.
- Kitchen appliances: Large oven cooking ranges, smaller microwaves, pop up toasters, grillers, blenders, refrigerators and other food processing appliances are also capable of harbouring numerous food particles and germs and also atrract insects to them. Gain freedom by using natural raw vegan food that requires minimal cooking and processing and keep the kitchen clean.
- Lights: Artificial electrical light used at night-time can affect the brain, cause severe anxiety and sress, insomnia, disturbed sleep and waking rhthyms as well as inhibit natural adjustment to our environment. Sleeping when appropriate at darkness and not working overtime or at night are helpful.
- Razors: Shaving instruments and epilation can unduly block pores and cause ingrowth as well as cuts on skin, that too unnecessarily just for social approval. These instruments also lead to itching, acne and skin infections. Being comfortable with natural clean hair intact with follicles is apt.
- Brushes and Sponges: Scouring pads, sponges, wipes, brushes including toothbrushes, dusters and washing cloths are host to many many infectious germs that spread through them. While you believe you are cleaning clothes, dishes, teeth, body and surfaces, you are actually subjecting yourself to even more infections. Use hot water and hands for cleaning and washing as far as possible or use clean cloths.
- Cleaning products: From toothpastes to dish washing up liquids, shampoos to soaps and hand-gels we have a host of harmful substances manufactured in poisonous chemical factories and sold in stores in plastic tubes and bottles. Eliminate them by using natural plant soaps and solutions such as cinnamon, neem, soapnuts and rock salt.
Swati Prakash 