Interested in becoming a mouth taper? Perhaps you saw an Instagram ad for mouth taping and how it can benefit your sleep. It is a highly popular solution to encourage nose breathing during sleep, which may help address everything from snoring issues to bad breath. 

Although mouth taping is increasing in popularity, it hasn’t been studied extensively, especially on a large scale. A handful of small scientific studies were conducted, so most of the existing benefits are primarily anecdotal. In this article, we aim to discuss how mouth taping works, how to tape the mouth safely, and if there are any risks involved. Continue reading to learn more. 

What Is Mouth Taping?

Mouth taping is the practice of taping your mouth shut at night before you go to bed. If you want to breathe through your nose while you sleep, taping your mouth shut forces that to happen. That ultimately helps you avoid the negative effects of mouth breathing, such as snoring or even sleep apnea. The tape is usually porous and you stick it over the upper and lower lips. That makes opening your mouth very difficult, encouraging you to breathe through your nose during sleep.

Does Mouth Taping Help With Snoring?

There is a large argument that sleeping with mouth tape may benefit people who snore. One study involved people with mild obstructive sleep apnea, and they wore a porous patch over their mouths while sleeping. That caused all of the participants to breathe through their nose, and it changed the angle and palate of the tongue. These changes contributed to less snoring, and fewer instances of lapsed breathing. According to researchers, there are no definitive findings that indicate mouth tape’s positive impact on snoring in people who do not have obstructive sleep apnea. More research is necessary on this topic to see if mouth tape can help with other snoring issues. 

Benefits Of Mouth Tape

According to anecdotal claims, mouth tape has helped ease a variety of problems, including snoring, fatigue, concentration issues, and bad breath. Existing research has only found mouth tape to reduce snoring and tiredness in people with obstructive sleep apnea. What research does show is that nose breathing helps to filter out allergens and adds resistance to benefit lung volume. It also helps deliver warmer, more humid air to the lungs. Although studies on mouth taping for people with asthma have not shown any benefits, the research and anecdotal reports that do exists claim that mouth taping aids the following:

• Dry mouth
• Gum disease
• Sleep-disordered breathing
• Cavities
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms
• Slowed growth in children
• Bad breath
• Decreased cognitive ability

Side Effects Of Mouth Tape

There are some existing side effects of taping the mouth for sleep, but most of them have not been fully studied. The following list of side effects are merely anecdotal:

• Pain when ripping off the tape, especially if you have facial hair
• Anxiety in people who feel uncomfortable with tape over their mouths
• Irritation on or around the lips
• Discomfort or difficulty breathing
• Interrupted sleep due to irritation from the tape

How To Tape Your Mouth Safely

First of all, make sure to use a porous tape intended for human skin if you decide to use mouth tape. Masking tape or other tapes that are not intended for the body will likely cause irritation. Some companies sell strips that help keep the mouth shut while you’re asleep. There are currently no guidelines on how to tape the mouth safely, but it isn’t like building a combustion engine from scratch. 

Before you tape your mouth, make sure to test the mouth tape during the day. This is especially important if you have difficulty breathing through your nose due to nasal polyps, allergies, or another reason. Minimize irritation on the skin by applying a food-safe gel to the area around your mouth prior to sticking on the tape. When you apply the tape, consider folding it over at one corner to promote easy removal in the morning.

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If you deal with seasonal allergies, you understand that they can be quite annoying. You sneeze uncontrollably, develop itchy eyes, experience congestion for hours, and the sinus pressure can become quite annoying. Symptoms may result from hay fever, seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis. If you are like most people who deal with allergies, you probably use numerous over-the-counter (OTC) medications to combat the symptoms. Some of those medications, however, can have a long list of their own side effects.

If you are ready to leave the OTC medications behind and experiment with natural solutions, you may be in luck. Some evidence indicates that natural solutions may relieve or reduce the severity of symptoms. If you have an understanding of the way antihistamines work, you can determine whether natural antihistamines will help with seasonal allergies.

How Do Antihistamines Work?

An allergic reaction is the immune system’s response to an otherwise harmless substance. That substance can be pollen, animal dander, dust, or mildew. Such a substance comes in contact with the cellist the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, throat, or lungs. If you have allergies, the immune system releases histamine, a chemical that causes sneezing, itching, and other allergy symptoms. 

Antihistamines work to block histamine activity in order to stop the allergic reaction. According to research, many vitamins, minerals, and plants can block the effects of histamine. Continue reading to learn more about these natural antihistamines. 

Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that can help improve your gut microbiome. They feed the healthy bacteria in the gut, which can help improve immune function. A 2021 review found that probiotics may help reduce and even prevent allergy symptoms. The same review suggests that probiotics may help alleviate symptoms of asthma and atopic dermatitis. Some great probiotics to consume include:

• Sauerkraut
• Kombucha
• Tempeh
• Kimchi
• Natto

Quercetin

You can find this natural antioxidant in grapefruit, okra, onions, apples, and other produce items. It is also available in supplement form, which is where you may have seen it. It is one of the most abundant antioxidants in the diet and helps to reduce inflammation, blood pressure, and the severity of allergy symptoms. A 2022 study found that quercetin may act as an antihistamine, working to reduce allergy symptoms. 

Bromelain

Commonly found in pineapples, bromelain is a compound that causes the body to make substances that fight swelling and pain. Studies have shown that bromelain is effective at reducing inflammation from sprains, tendinitis, and other muscle injuries. Regarding allergies, bromelain may help relieve respiratory symptoms associated with allergic reactions. A 2023 analysis found that bromelain proved effective against sinusitis.

Stinging Nettle

This flowering plant originated in Asian and Western Northern Africa. There is both some positive and neutral evidence surrounding stinging nettle as an effective antihistamine. One study from 2009 found that stinging nettle helped reduce allergy symptoms. A 2017 study, however, found nettle to act similarly to a placebo pill. More research is necessary to understand whether this plant is an effective antihistamine. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is readily available in myriad plant-based foods. Some of the best sources include bell peppers, kiwis, guavas, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and berries. A 2023 review found that vitamin C helped improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and itching.

Butterbur Bonus

As a bonus natural antihistamine option, we bring you butterbur. This marsh plant, which belongs to the daisy family, may be effective at reducing the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. A 2023 study reported that it may be a safe and effective natural treatment for people with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

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Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, results from myriad reasons. It can develop because of a problem that directly affects the ear, or it happens in conjunction with another issue. This is what medical experts call “referred pain.” Ear pain can be minor or severe, and occasionally a sign of infection or underlying health issue. 

Health experts recommend that you never ignore ear pain. Figuring out the cause can help you address it with the appropriate treatment. The sooner you treat your ear pain, the sooner that dull or sharp burning sensation in one or both ears can go away. Read on to learn about seven common causes of ear pain.

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses, which are air-filled pockets located behind the forehead and eyebrows, become inflamed. Bacteria can cause sinuses to become inflamed, but so can viruses and fungi. Fluid accumulation in the sinuses is the most common symptom of a sinus infection. This inflammation can block or inflame the Eustachian tube, which can lead to ear pain. Sinus infection may also cause headache, facial pain, runny nose, and congestion.

Ear Infection

Ear infections are most common among children, but anyone at any age can experience them. In children, the Eustachian tube clogs easily, but it should drain fluid made in the middle ear. If blockages occur, fluid builds up and a bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear can develop. Besides general ear pain, ear infection can cause congestion, ear drainage, fever, and other symptoms. Although mild ear infections tend to clear up on their own with home remedies, certain infections require antibiotic treatment. 

Wax Buildup

Believe it or not, the body produces earwax to help keep the ears clean and protected from debris. Too much earwax can lead to buildup that partially or fully blocks the ear canal, which can cause ear pain. In most cases, you can resolve wax buildup at home or with expert-backed methods to flush out excess wax. If you have too much wax or you have difficulty removing it on your own, consult your healthcare provider for more help.

The Common Cold

The common cold can affect the way the Eustachian tube functions. This tube links the back of the nose to the middle ear and it protects, ventilates, and drains the middle ear. If something prevents this tube from doing its job, that is classified as Eustachian tube dysfunction. This typically happens when the tube’s lining becomes inflamed, which can result from the common cold. Besides ear pain that results from a cold, Eustachian tube dysfunction can make your ear feel full, causing you to not hear as well or hear popping sounds.

Allergies

Exposure to dust, pollen, mold, or other allergens can irritate the sinuses, which causes sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes. In some cases, fluid may build up in the sinuses and cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube. As you know by now, swelling of the Eustachian tube can lead to ear pressure and general ear pain.

Swimmer’s Ear

Despite the name, this condition doesn’t always result from swimming or water activities. It refers to an infection, irritation, or inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. More often than not, it’s caused by bacteria from unclean water that gets into the ear. Swimmer’s ear can cause discharge to leak from the ear, but it also can cause ear pain, itchiness, and swelling. Because the infection can spread to other parts of the ear and worsen, contact a healthcare provider to examine this issue as soon as possible. 

Air Pressure Changes

If you drive in mountainous areas, dive underwater, or fly in a plane, you know that your ears pop. Pressure inside the ear is different from the pressure outside, so the ear has to adjust, but it doesn’t always pop the way you’d hope. This is why many people recommend yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing to stabilize the pressure and resolve the pain. If these things do not resolve the issue for several hours, you may need to see a healthcare provider, especially if you develop a fever, ear drainage, or severe ear pain. Untreated cases of ear barotrauma can damage the eardrum and cause hearing loss.

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Why are colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses more common in colder months? People tend to stay indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. The cold, dry air outside and warm indoor air with poor circulation may weaken the body’s resistance to these viruses.

You may strive to create a germ-free household, but this can prove difficult. That’s why health experts recommend that you set up a disinfecting routine. First, though, you have to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines these terms as follows:

• Cleaning: A process that involves scrubbing a surface with water and soap, which helps remove most, not all, germs and grime from the surface. 
• Sanitizing: A process that uses a diluted bleach solution or sanitizing spray to remove germs from surfaces or objects. Always clean before you sanitize. 
• Disinfecting: A process that uses chemicals or a stronger bleach solution to clear the majority of germs from surfaces or objects. Again, always clean before you disinfect. 

Before you embark on your cleaning journey, identify the most high-touch surfaces in your home. Doorknobs, light switches, countertops, appliance handles, and faucets require frequent cleaning. It’s best to regularly wipe down countertops and other visibly dirty surfaces. 

Wash Linens And Bedding Regularly

Shedding skin cells and sweat is completely natural, whether you are walking around or sleeping. All that grime can build up on soft surfaces in your home, including your pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Health experts encourage you to change and wash your sheets weekly to prevent bacterial build-up. When you launder your bedding and bed clothes, you can reduce the presence of dust mites or other allergens that can hide in bedding. Get a second or third set of sheets to swap them out more easily. 

Check And Change Your HVAC Filters

If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to change filters regularly to keep indoor air clean. Some smart thermostats will even remind you to change your filters, which is very helpful. Thicker air filters tend to last longer and trap more allergens or illness-causing particles. Regarding HVAC filters, most companies recommend the following:

• One-inch thick filters: change every 30-60 days. 
• Two-inch thick filters: change every three months.
• Four-inch thick filters: change every six months. 

Manage Humidity Levels

Humidity levels in the home can affect your risk of contracting a virus. According to a study from 2021, moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission. That helps make viruses less likely to survive in the air. Most home thermostats can detect or display indoor humidity levels. If the humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier, especially when cold and flu season is around the corner. Additionally, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces more frequently if humidity levels drop.

Declutter Every Night

Some people feel tremendous anxiety if they go to bed without cleaning up their mess. When you wake ups to a tidy room, bathroom, kitchen, and living room, some of that morning stress may not be there. You don’t have to deep clean your house every night, but a minimal cleaning session can go a long way in preparing your mind and body for bed. Put away loose items, wipe down countertops, do all the dishes (or put them in the dishwasher), and don’t leave cosmetics all over the bathroom counter. If all of that seems stressful, consider rounding everything up in a basket and placing that in one spot as a start. 

Revamp Your Entryway

If you walk into your house and don’t remove your shoes, you are tracking dirt and other germs inside. The entryway, be it grand or small, is a place to shed your outside self before fully entering the home. Maybe you toss your jacket somewhere, fling your shoes, and discard your bag aimlessly. A tidy entryway can minimize clutter and help prevent germs from entering the home. Below, you’ll find a few tips to help keep your entryway clean:

• Take off your shoes once you enter your home.
• Use a basket or other receptacle to collect things that don’t belong in the entryway. Empty it regularly.
• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, for example, a shoe rack.
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, and keep them on a nearby shelf near the entryway.
• Install a light to ensure proper lighting in your entryway. This can make it easier to spot dirt or grime when cleaning.

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There are countless products in existence that claim to protect and rejuvenate your skin. Some of these products enhance moisture, some cleanse or exfoliate, and others help get rid of wrinkles. All of these products have one common denominator, and that is that they act on the body’s outermost layer, the skin barrier. What exactly is the skin barrier, and what is its purpose? We aim to answer that question and inform you on how to protect it in this article.

What Is The Skin Barrier?

The skin is made up of different layers, each of which serves a unique purpose. The outermost layer, the stratum corneum, consists of tough skin cells that essentially make up your skin barrier. These skin cells, corneocytes, are bound together by mortar-like lipids. Keratin and natural moisturizers are within the corneocytes. The lipid layer contains fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. 

This “brick wall” that is the skin barrier keeps you alive by protecting you from environmental toxins and pathogens. Without the skin barrier, these substances could easily penetrate the skin and cause adverse health effects. If you didn’t have a skin barrier, the water inside your body would escape, evaporate, and leave you in a dehydrated state. Just as your internal organs are necessary for optimal health, so is your skin because it helps the body function properly.

What Damages The Skin Barrier?

The skin plays defense every second of every day, protecting you from pathogens, bacteria, and other threats. Some of the internal and external factors that affect skin barrier function are:

• Allergens, irritants, and pollutants
• Exposure to harsh chemicals
• Excessively humid or dry environments
• Steroids 
• Alkaline detergents and soaps
• Genetic factors
• Over-exfoliation or over-washing
• Psychological distress

What Is The Acid Mantle?

The skin barrier has a slightly acidic pH level and this acidity (the acid mantle) creates a protective barrier. It essentially establishes a buffer that prevents the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can damage the skin and increase the risk of infections. You must protect the acid mantle around wounds. Because the skin’s acidity is necessary for functions that happen during the healing process. Sometimes, though, health conditions can change the skin’s acidity, which weakens that buffer. Diabetes or incontinence, for example, may require slightly more acidic skin care products to ensure the efficacy of the acid mantle.

How To Protect And Restore The Skin Barrier

There are many ways to help encourage a stronger skin barrier and acid mantle. What are some quick and easy tips to keep them both functional and healthy? Let’s take a look at a few strategies that can help.

Pay Attention To pH

The skin has a delicate pH balance that generally hovers around 4.7. The pH of certain products, however, can range from 3.7 to 8.2. According to researchers, you should cleanse with a product that ranges from a 4.0 to 5.0 pH level. If you keep your skin’s pH at a healthy level, you may be able to avoid conditions like dermatitis, acne, and ichthyosis. 

Look For Formulations That Include Ceramides

If you want your skin barrier to function properly, you need ceramides, which exist in high concentrations in the stratum corneum. Research from 2019 found that products containing pseudo-ceramides may relieve dryness, itchiness, and scaling that results from poor skin barrier function. Ceramide-rich moisturizers, for example, help strengthen the structural integrity of the skin barrier. Additionally, ceramide moisturizers may benefit those who are more prone to acne. Acne-prone people tend to have an impaired skin barrier, so strengthening it with ceramide-rich moisturizers may reduce the risk of blemishes. 

Experiment With Plant Oils

When you supply the skin with the right nutrients, you can help prevent the skin barrier from losing moisture. Research suggests that certain plant oils may supply the skin barrier with proper moisture and offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, too. Some of the best plant oils for the skin barrier are argan, coconut, almond, jojoba, primrose, black currant, and rosehip oils. You can incorporate these oils into DIY skin care products, such as lotions or creams, or simply use them directly on the skin.

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Beauty is very personal and different products resonate with each person in a different way. There is no definitive “best” routine, solution, cream, or serum for the skin; rather, the best skin care products are the ones that work best for your skin. That said, there are certain ingredients in various products that stand out more than others. In fact, it is universally understood that certain body oils are great for most skin types. The best part? They are unscented and have high concentrations of essential fatty acids. 

A Little Info About The Skin

The skin has two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. Both of these primary layers are comprised of specialized cell types that contribute to the uniqueness of each layer. The epidermis consists of keratinocytes in varying states of differentiation. They help to prevent water loss and the invasion of toxins and microbes, serving to enhance skin barrier function. The dermis, which mostly consists of collagen and elastin, helps to provide physical and nutritional support to the epidermis.

What Are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential fatty acids, like other essential nutrients, are types of fatty acids that the body cannot create on its own. This is because the body lacks the necessary enzymes to manufacture these ingredients from alternative food sources. That’s why you have to supply them via a steady, dietary stream. There are two families of essential fatty acids: omega 3 fatty acids, and omega 6 fatty acids, both of which are polyunsaturated fatty acids. You can obtain these essential fatty acids by eating different foods, or you can apply oils that contain them topically on the skin.

The Role Of Essential Fatty Acids In The Skin

When you supply the body with adequate amounts of essential fatty acids, it can perform optimally in several ways. As mentioned earlier, the epidermis (the skin’s top layers) form a barrier that locks in hydration and keeps irritants, allergens, and bacteria out. Essential fatty acids maintain the stratum corneum permeability barrier, serving as building blocks for the synthesis of complex lipids. These fatty acids are essentially part of the seal that sits in the cracks between cells in the epidermis, according to dermatologists. In simpler terms, fatty acids are like grout that sits between bathroom tiles. They maintain the integrity of the outer skin layer, helping the skin barrier do its job. 

Although you can find essential fatty acids in various skin care products, they work particularly best in oils. The reason for this is because they complement an oil’s intended purpose, which is to create a protective seal on the skin. Face and body oils are always the last step in a skin care routine for a reason, and it is because they are occlusive. Products with occlusive properties work to lock in moisture and nutrients into the skin. 

How To Find A Body Oil That’s Rich In Fatty Acids

Some brands infuse fatty acids directly into the formula, while other plant oils are naturally rich in them. If you purchase face or body oils, check to see if they have oleic acid, linoleic acid, or linolenic acid on the ingredient list. If you opt for plant oils, consider the following:

• Prickly pear seed oil: This oil is naturally rich in antioxidants and contains three major fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, and linolenic). Prickly pear seed oil also contains polyphenols that help the skin fight off free radicals. 
• Grape seed oil: Having a good blend of linoleic, linolenic, and oleic fatty acids, grape seed oil is traditionally made by pressing grape seeds that are collected after grapes have been turned into wine. It also works to feed the skin nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, helping to moisturize and condition the skin. 
• Sunflower seed oil: This oil primarily contains oleic and linoleic fatty acids, but it does exhibit an impressive vitamin E content. Because sunflower seed oil is a light oil that dries down quickly, it is ideal for the body. Beauty experts refer to it as a dry oil for this reason.
• Safflower seed oil: Most of safflower seed oil is of about 70% linoleic acid, with the remaining amount being linolenic, oleic, and other fatty acids. Most beauty experts agree that safflower oil is very well-rounded and noncomedogenic. 
• Rosehip seed oil: This oil is mostly used for facial skin and has a great balance of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. In fact, it is an excellent source of these fatty acids!

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When people think about health, diet, exercise, and sleep come to mind. They aren’t wrong because all of those things are fundamental to overall health. If you’re truly committed to creating a healthier life, you have to address your home, where you spend a lot of your time. Depending on your type of dwelling, your living space may require very little or a lot of upkeep. Regardless of where you live, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind. In this article, we break down the most important ways to keep your home safe and healthy. 

Preserve Indoor Air Quality

The air you breathe inside your home is the first thing to address. After all, indoor air quality can positively or negatively affect lung health. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI) said that 50% of homes potentially have six allergens detectable in the air. Of those allergens, popular ones include pet dander, mold, dust mites, and cockroach droppings. You should ventilate your home when possible, but the weather can dictate whether or not the windows stay open or closed. For better indoor air quality, consider the following:

• Vacuum any rugs or carpets regularly to control pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. 
• Try to keep your bathroom dry to help prevent mold and mildew from growing. Clean any mold you see on hard surfaces with bleach cleaners in a well-ventilated space. 
• Keep your thermostat below 70 degrees F and aim to have humidity levels between 40-50%, if possible. 
• Was all bedding once a week in hot water to help get rid of allergens. 

Prevent Falls

Believe it or not, 60% of all falls occur in the home, where people spend the majority of their time. It’s very natural to let your guard down at home, so you move around in a distracted way without considering safety. To prevent falls or other injuries, the following tips may be helpful:

• Install handrails wherever possible: next to toilets, along stairs, and in bathtubs. 
• Wear a medical alarm if you are at a higher risk of falls. 
• Make sure that your home has sufficient lighting throughout, and install night lights in bathrooms and other spaces you may need to access at night. 
• Choose larger rugs over small area rugs. For those larger rugs, make sure that the corners are firmly affixed to the floor, or you have anti-slip pads in place.
• Make sure that there are no wires or cords obstructing common area walkways. 

Clean Your Home

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy home is to clean it regularly. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces, cleaning your bedding, vacuuming your carpets, and mopping floors work to prevent indoor allergens (discussed above). Having a regular cleaning schedule can help remove general grime and germs, including the norovirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disinfecting the home may be necessary if you or another member of your household is sick. Clean the following areas to maintain a clean and healthy home:

• Carpets and other flooring
• Light switches
• Toys
• Countertops
• Doorknobs
• Laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices

In order to properly clean your home, you have to scrub surfaces with soap and water. Sanitizing the home is a little different, as it reduces germs with the aid of sprays or products that contain a small amount of bleach. Always remember to clean surfaces before sanitizing them. If you are sick, disinfection may be necessary, especially for high-touch surfaces. 

Store Your Food Properly

The way you store your foods is just as important as the foods you eat. Because of increased exposure to harmful ingredients in various plastics, health experts advise looking for containers that are free of bisphenol A (BPA). High exposure to BPA may have adverse effects on reproductive health. Glass containers are excellent, but make sure that you check that the materials are free of BPA. Additionally, make sure your bottled water, or reusable bottles, are BPA-free.

Personal Hygiene And Medical Supplies

Smelling great is a beautiful thing, but personal hygiene goes beyond soaps and bath supplies. Some people don’t have certain products in their medicines cabinets, but health experts recommend having the following on hand at all times:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Antibacterial ointment
• Bandages
• Calamine lotion for bug bites and minor burns
• Tweezers
• A thermometer
• Activated charcoal
• Allergy medicines

Foods That Support Your Health

Dietary needs and preferences vary from person to person. Some people may have food sensitivities that others don’t, so a healthy diet for you may be different than it is for someone else. That said, health experts agree on a list of basic food items that you should always have on hand in your pantry to promote better eating habits: 

• Steel cut oats
• Wild rice
• Beans (no salt added varieties if purchasing canned varieties)
• Raw nuts and seeds
• Raw nut or seed butters
• Coconut oil, avocado oil, and extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar and raw apple cider vinegar
• Natural sugars, including grade A maple syrup, stevia, and raw agave nectar
• Seasoning and dried herbs
• Frozen fruits and vegetables

Additionally, stock your fridge with fresh fruits and vegetables. We all know that fruits and vegetables are essential for optimal health!

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Winter is almost a distant memory that fades more and more with the arrival of warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. The fresher air makes you want to open the windows and invite the beautiful scents and warmth into the home. Even though it may look fresh and less gloomy outside, the inside of your home may be in shambles. Invite the opportunity and seasonal change into your life with a cleaner home. In fact, this is a long-standing tradition in many cultures. 

Why Do People Deep Clean In Spring?

Spring cleaning stems from several cultures, including Iranian, Chinese, and Jewish. The arrival of the spring equinox on the solar-based calendar is a classic indicator of spring. For Iranians, the spring equinox marks the new year, which consists of festivals and celebrations that symbolize a time of renewal. This theme of “renewal” is common in many cultures, in regards to the new year. It’s a chance to reinvigorate life and start anew. In the two weeks leading up to the new year, Iranians practice “shaking the house.” This involves buying new clothes, getting rid of old clothes, cleaning everything in sight, and ensuring everything in the house is clean for the new year.

In similar fashion, the Chinese clean their homes in anticipation of the new year’s arrival. The belief is that cleaning the house gets rid of any possible bad luck, inviting positive energy into the house when the new year comes. In Jewish culture, Passover commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Jewish slaves ate unleavened bread, which they adopted as a reminder of overcoming such hard times. In traditional Jewish culture, keeping leavened bread in the house during Passover is an insult to God. It has become tradition to scour the home for any possible crumbs, cleaning it meticulously before Passover, which comes right after spring. 

While your motivation to clean may not be cultural, there are serious health benefits to deep cleaning the home. Continue reading to learn how spring cleaning can improve your health. 

Reduces The Presence Of Allergens

When you clean the home, your indoor air quality is likely to improve. Clutter, mess, and neglecting to regularly clean results in an accumulation of dust. There are chemicals in dust that trigger allergic reactions, so cleaning the home can reduce the presence of harmful allergens. The home is insulated without opening the windows all winter, so the cleaning and fresh spring air can improve breathing and overall respiratory health.

Encourages A Healthy Lifestyle

When you inhabit a messy space, there’s a higher percentage of being unhealthier. Statistically, people who clean up their houses tend to clean up other areas of their lives. This can lead to better sleep, healthier eating habits, and improved sleep. There’s a link between decluttering, organizing, and cleaning the home and prioritizing your health and overall well-being. You may be surprised how much a good cleaning session inspires you. 

Reduces Stress

Some people will argue that a messy house inspires the chaotic freedom that inspires their creative thoughts. There’s not time for that nonsense. The act of cleaning and inviting organization into your life helps to relieve stress. A messy house can cause stress because you can easily misplace things or purchase things that you already have, but are hiding in the mess. Clutter in the home can also lead to higher anxiety, and cleaning it all up brings about a calmer feeling. 

Less Mess = Less Fatigue

You may not know it until your home is organized and clean, but clutter wears you down. It’s exhausting to have anything and everything occupy your space, be it your workspace or living space. All of the disorganization gathers dust and grime. Take the time to shed the non-essential items in your life. You don’t have to purge your house, but a solid spring cleaning can lift an incredible weight off your shoulders and help you feel lighter, emotionally speaking. Less brings about more happiness, more energy, and more positivity in your life. 

Increases Productivity

The warmer weather often excites people and inspires them to get more done in each day. Shorter days tend to have the opposite effect on people, hence why there is more clutter and dirt in the home during winter. You may notice that you feel the urge to clean as spring gets closer and closer. Now, we don’t advise cleaning the house in a single day because that is exhausting. Take at least one to two weeks to spring clean the entire house, tackling a room or problem area every day. 

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Scalp dandruff, although a drag and slightly embarrassing, is not unusual. What may take you by surprise is if dry flakes regularly fall from your eyebrows. Yes, eyebrow dandruff is a thing, according to certified dermatologists. It is one of the most common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, but other causes can also lead to eyebrow dandruff. 

Symptoms Of Eyebrow Dandruff

More often than not, eyebrow dandruff is not the only symptom you experience. Inflammation in the eyebrow area, itchiness, or rash can occur, and you may require an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication to fix the issue. The most common symptoms of eyebrow dandruff include:

• Light, white to yellowish flakes of skin that shed
• Mild itching (although itching is not always a symptom)
• Eyebrows that appear scaly
• Mild erythema (redness) and irritated patches of skin on the eyebrows
• An increased amount of sebum (oil) in the eyebrows

Note, eyebrow dandruff can be the result of environmental factors like cold weather or harsh skin products. When environmental factors cause eyebrow dandruff, symptoms don’t usually include inflammation. When seborrheic dermatitis or contact dermatitis are the underlying causes, inflammation is a primary symptom. Read on to figure out what your body is trying to tell you if you experience eyebrow dandruff.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a reaction on the skin that is caused by irritants or allergens. Ingredients in skin or hair-care products can often cause irritation, meaning contact dermatitis responsible. Fragrances in detergent or makeup products can trigger this scaly skin reaction, but you may not see the symptom surface for a day or two following exposure. Contact dermatitis can cause an itchy, irritating rash in the area and the skin may flake off, causing dandruff. If contact dermatitis is the culprit of eyebrow dandruff, you may also experience dry or cracked skin, bumps and blisters, or swelling/tenderness in the area. 

Dry Skin

Good ole dry skin can often be the source of scaly brows. It is easy to mistake dry skin near the eyebrows for dandruff, but the truth may be that your skin just lacks moisture. Unlike eczema or psoriasis, which stem from an inflammatory response in the immune system, dry skin in the eyebrow region is a common symptom of those living in areas with low humidity or cold weather. If you try to use lotions or creams to remedy dry skin and still experience flakiness, you may need to consult a dermatologist to get a definitive answer. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to grow at an accelerated rate, resulting in thick patches of itchy, red, scaly skin. Although the condition commonly affects the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk, it may appear on other parts of the body, like your face. Experts believe that this inflammatory issue is caused by an overactive immune system. Irregular immune function can indicate why you see an influx of flakes that accumulate on the skin’s surface. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common form of eczema and usually shows itself as dandruff or rash on certain parts of the body that produce a lot of oil. The upper back, nose, and scalp are fairly common areas to experience symptoms. Seborrheic dermatitis causes irritated patches of skin and inflammation, but it can also cause flare-ups near the eyebrows. Wherever it shows up, seborrheic dermatitis stems from an overblown inflammatory immune response to an overgrowth of Malassezia, a common type of yeast that lives on the skin.

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The New Year is synonymous with weight loss, dieting, and new career goals. People often put so much emphasis on themselves that they don’t pay attention to their homes. Unlike the human body, the home is not something that can clean itself. You are responsible for limiting the build-up of grime and keeping it a space for wellness by maintaining awareness. 

There are many ways to establish a healthy home, but with the New Year approaching, one of the best ways to clean the slate is through a home detox. Over time, the home can easily accumulate dust, allergen, mold, and germs. Not only can these things cause allergic reactions, but they can also weigh down the energy in your home. If you are into the concept of Feng Shui, then you understand how simple detox tips can spruce up your indoor space. Below, we detail simple ways that you can detox your home for a fresh start in the New Year. 

Shoes Stay At The Door

When you walk in the front door of your home, remove your shoes, plain and simple. When you wear your shoes inside the house, you track pesticides, bacteria, and more via the soles of your shoes. Removing your shoes prior to entering your home also supports the idea that your home is a sacred space, separate from the outside world. Wear socks, go barefoot, or have slippers for chilly days. 

Use Green Plants As Natural Detox Agents

Certain houseplants have the ability to remove pollutants from the air, ultimately improving indoor air quality. Some studies found that houseplants can remove substances like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Breathing easier is much easier when the air in your home is cleaner. Click here for the best houseplants to clean your air. 

Open Your Windows When You Cook

Cooking over a gas flame can generate large amounts of nitrogen dioxide and other tiny particles that can irritate the nose and lungs. In addition to using the exhaust hood or range, open your windows to ventilate your space. This process helps remove particular gasses from your home, reducing the risk of future headaches or fatigue from inhaling those pollutants. 

Bye Bye Dryer Sheets

Not all dryer sheets are bad, but they aren’t necessarily eco-friendly. Instead of contributing to more waste, do your part to help the environment and opt for wool dryer balls. These dryer balls are chemical-free and help soften your laundry during the drying process. Wool dryer balls tend to last up to 1,000 loads, which is 1,000 less dryer sheets in landfills. They also reduce drying time, which can lower your energy usage. 

Use Simple DIY Cleaning Products

There are many non-toxic cleaning products that you can purchase in store, but a lot of them still contain synthetic fragrances, colors, and other preservatives. If you are trying to detox your home, you don’t want to continue polluting it. You can easily make your own cleaning products that are 100% non-toxic. We have a large catalog of these recipes on our website, but you can click here to view some great ones to have on hand. 

From Floor To Ceilings

When you vacuum, it’s best to use one that has a HEPA filter, as that not only helps decrease allergens in the home, but also creates a healthier, more breathable space. The HEPA filter in your vacuum traps bacteria, dust, pathogens, and particles. Additionally, it also reduces the levels of many chemicals in your home. Don’t just vacuum your carpets or rugs, though. Vacuum under your furniture, behind bookshelves, on the side of your washer, and the corners of your house. 

Ditch Synthetic Air Fresheners

We cannot stress the importance of this point! A lot of people love the scents of synthetic air freshener sprays or plug-ins, but these products are filled with irritants and chemicals. You can still create a pleasant smelling home without these chemicals. There are essential oil diffusers, bouquets of fresh flowers, potpourri, and more. You can also make all-natural air freshener sprays by clicking here. 

Even the simplest of home detox efforts can improve the entire energy of your home. Do whatever you feel is best and simplest on this list to begin your home detox. Relish in the results you feel when the new year arrives!

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