Things You Should Throw Away to Better Your Health

You might not know it, but there are tons of everyday items we own that we shouldn’t necessarily be keeping around, as some of them can actually be harmful to our health. Below is just a small list of some of the common, everyday items that you should consider tossing.

1. Antibacterial Soap
According to a 2014 report from the FDA, soaps labeled as “antibacterial” are no more effective at killing off harmful bacteria than regular soap. Antibacterial soaps may also be unsafe as many of them contain an active ingredient known as Triclosan, which has been linked to abnormalities in the endocrine system, such as thyroid problems, and weakened immune systems. Young children exposed to antibacterial products have also been found to have an increased risk of developing eczema, allergies, and asthma.

2. Soda
While soda is a go-to thirst quencher for many on warm, summer day, you’re really not doing yourself any favours by buying or drinking this carbonated beverage – even the “diet” kind. Despite being advertised as low-calorie, “healthier” alternatives to sugar, the non-caloric sweeteners (such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin) found in soda have been linked to both gluten intolerance and metabolic syndrome, and may be precursors to the development of type II diabetes. In addition, they may also decrease the body’s healthy metabolism.

3. Running Shoes
Finding a good pair of running shoes is not only important for comfort, but also important for supporting different parts of the body – such as the bones, muscles and tendons. Depending on how much use they get, shoes can last some people for years and years on end; but even with quite a bit of wear and tear, people don’t replace their running shoes nearly as often as they should – at least every 3 months for those who are quite active, and every 6 months for individuals less active. Old running shoes lose their cushioning and the ability to absorb impact when landing on your feet. The less cushioning, the more force there is being applied to your body, which puts you at an increased risk of developing injuries. Remember, when looking for a good running shoe it’s not only important to find something that is comfortable, but also correct in size.

4. Old Makeup
Old makeup and makeup accessories can harbour a lot of germs. Things like lipstick, mascara and eyeshadows, especially, as well as their tools (such as brushes.) While makeup might seem like a funny thing to replace especially if it’s still useable, it can be quite the festering spot for bacteria. For example, each time you use mascara or eyeshadow, you’re not only brushing it onto your eyelids and lashes, but also transferring germs to your eyelids and lashes as well, and that can even result in serious skin and/or eye infections. Makeup and makeup brushes are also a breeding ground for bacteria due to being stored in warm or room-temperature environments. While you might not want to shell out a lot of money on makeup products and accessories every few months, it’s important for your health that you make sure you replace these particular items as frequently as every 2 to 3 months.

5. Expired Medication
Similar to foods, medications also come with expiry dates. While some medications can be toxic if taken after their expiration date, other medications may still be safe to take but will simply lose their effectiveness. If you want your medication to achieve optimal results, you should avoid expired medication and speak with your physician about getting a new prescription. You can find more detailed information about expired medication by clicking here.

6. Old Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is important, especially now that summer has arrived. However, breaking out the sunscreen from last year or a few year’s prior might not be the safest idea. Certain chemicals found in sunscreen that block the sun’s ultraviolet rays eventually break down over time, meaning your skin isn’t as protected from the risk of cancer, such as melanoma. Without proper protection your skin may also age quicker.