5 Healthy Holiday Finds for 2024
Have you ever thought about holiday shopping that benefits your health? As part of this year’s move, we decided to have our home be as healthy as possible with no VOC (volatile organic compounds or chemicals) paint or products, and products that only use organic and healthy materials (furniture, bed, carpets, etc.) to create an environment for health and happiness. I don’t have affiliations or product compensation from these companies and as always just sharing my findings.
VOCs are found not only in paint but in carpets, vinyl flooring, upholstery, foam, air fresheners and cleaning products which may be causes for unexplained health issues, including anything from headaches and brain fog to more serious illness like challenges to your nervous system, liver, kidneys, etc.
Things you normally buy and take for granted in your home can contain toxins, glues and other materials that can slowly make you sick and another unexplained “why” of feeling ill.
So here are some of my suggestions for your health and healing:
Have you ever given thought that you could be sleeping every night on something that is toxic for your health? On average, Americans spend 9 hours per day sleeping or just relaxing in bed. Manufacturers are not required to disclose all the materials their products contain, such as flame retardants, glues, or fragrances. Polyurethane foam in mattresses contain VOCs which can cause respiratory issues, asthma, and long-term inflammation. Memory foam is another form of polyurethane foam, which is made from industrial chemicals that emit VOCs. Glues can bind layers of a mattress which also emit VOCs. Are you getting the picture? Many mattresses also have a “fragrance” (to disguise chemical off-gassing odors) which can cause hormone-disrupting phthalates and the list goes on.
To avoid having a bed with VOCs, a few of my clients had suggested the Samina bed. It is a big purchase but well worth it for your sleep. The Samina system is made of completely non-toxic and natural materials (i.e. no chemicals, glues, or toxins); all materials are anti-microbial meaning you never have to worry about mold (a big problem with the mattress industry). I like the minimal motion transfer feature meaning if your partner tosses and turns you are undisturbed. And there are no metal components in the bed, meaning you have no exposure to EMFs when you sleep. You can add a grounding pad to also assist with sleep as well. You spend at least a third of your life in bed so having a healthy sleep system is becoming more essential than ever.
Frankenmuth Wool Comforter – On a recent trip to Europe for a conference, the hotels all had wool comforters and we immediately noticed we slept better. Since we have down comforters, I started researching the differences and discovered down comforters attract mold and dust mites over time whereas wool does not.
On my search for a wool comforter, I discovered Frankenmuth Woolen Mill. They have been in business since 1894 and are in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Their wool is from sheep that are raised and shorn humanely and that the land they graze is healthy.
They do not use any chemicals in processing – only hot water – versus other manufacturers who might clean wool using an acid bath which produces off gassing (which ones breathes while they sleep). Genuine wool comforters have therapeutic benefits for those who suffer from inflammatory issues, such as arthritis.
Biomat – I discovered the Biomat a few months ago and realized it has benefits well worth having in any home. The Biomat is an infrared mat that offers a therapy of light, heat, and crystals to help the body with natural pain relief, detoxification, and healing. It is very helpful for existing injuries, and chronic inflammation since it penetrates and reaches the site of the injury.
The Biomat also facilitates deep relaxation and helps with reducing cortisol and stress hormones in the body. Most of us are familiar with heating pads which use electric coils to generate heat. The Biomat uses a combination of fabrics and Amethyst stones to generate infrared rays which are transferred to the body as heat. Infrared pads penetrate through the skin, insulating the layer of fat, two to three inches into the body, producing a warming effect from the inside out. Infrared pads penetrate quicker and give a faster response in the body, and its warming benefits continue after use. If you are interested in one the company I ordered from will offer a 10% discount to my patients and you can contact me for that information.
Hyperice Normatec Legs – If you are someone who suffers from leg cramps or swelling and/or poor circulation this might be a great investment. It uses dynamic air compression to help soothe legs, get rid of swelling, and improve circulation. They market to athletes for recovery, but I find it is very helpful to those with leg challenges as stated. I come from a long history of women with leg cramps and poor circulation and this compression system was a game changer for me and I use it on almost a daily basis.
Sonos– Sonos systems have been around a while. I had a speaker in my Los Angeles office since the beginning and it provided wonderful soothing spa music as clients entered the office. When I moved, I bought a new system for the house and office and is provides a wonderful relaxing atmosphere as you can play whatever you like – your own music, Spotify, Pandora, or Sirius XM. It’s something I cannot imagine not having in any house or office. It’s less expensive and easier than stereos or a whole house system and is basically plug and go.
These are big purchases and will help your health in the long term so why not spend your holiday allotment on one thing– your body and health account will thank you.
