Health care products are items that people use to prevent illnesses and improve their health. This usually includes personal care products and pharmaceutical products. Personal care items like soap, shampoo, and lotion help protect our body from disease causing germs. Pharmaceutical products like medicines, vitamins or supplements, and medical devices are used in treating and preventing illnesses. Unfortunately, there are some health care products that may do more harm than good for your body. Aside from knowing the products that you need, being familiar with toxic ingredients is the best way to protect your health.
One harmful chemical that is commonly used in products like soap, shampoo, and lotions are phthalates. They may also be found in cosmetic products as well as medical devices made from flexible PVC materials (i.e. IV bags and tubing). Exposure to unsafe levels of phthalates can have adverse effects to your liver, lungs, kidney, and reproductive system. The next time you buy soap, shampoo, and other personal care products, make sure that it doesn’t have phthalates and parabens. Your best bet are products that earned the EU seal of approval. The European Union has banned the use of these chemicals for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products in 2013.
Vitamins and minerals can help strengthen the body. But one should also be wary of synthetic vitamins and food supplements that come at cheap prices. The make-up of these pills may include nicotine and coal tar for their base, magnesium stearate or stearic acid as additives, and other toxins like silicon dioxide, MSG, methyl cellulose, and titanium dioxide. All of which can cause ill effects to one’s health. Cases of hypercalcemia, birth defects in pregnant women, blood clotting, and increased cancer risk have been observed in some studies that involved the use of synthetic vitamins. Ads for vitamins and supplements can also be quite persuasive, but remember that not all supplements are good for you.
Health care products shouldn’t pose a danger to your health. Read the labels and do your research before purchasing any product. Being aware of toxins that may be present in these products can help you choose wisely. And when it comes to dietary supplements, keep in mind that it is in your best interest to consult a health care expert in choosing health care products.
