Is your nail varnish making you gain weight? The everyday items causing harm to your health

By now, we all know that chemicals in everything – from our homes to our foods – are bad for our health.

But not everyone understands the toxic extent of certain everyday items.

Naturopath, Marissa Malvaso, recently revealed to FEMAIL all of the various items in your home and life that might be causing harm to your health.

From your nail varnish being linked with weight gain to toxic toothpaste, potentially carcinogenic detergents and salt that’s linked with Alzheimer’s, here she explains what to look out for.

Marissa also revealed the ‘low-tox’ alternatives to embrace.

Many nail varnishes contain TPHP, which ‘interferes with hormones’ – a low-tox alternative is a Kester Balck’s cruelty-free, vegan nail varnish (pictured)

NAIL VARNISH AND WEIGHT GAIN

According to Marissa, studies have shown that regular nail varnish can be harmful to our health because of something they contain – Triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP:

‘Some studies have shown TPHP is an endocrine disruptor, which means it interferes with hormones, and it may be linked to weight gain among other things,’ she explained to Daily Mail Australia.

Of 3,000 nail polishes tested by the scientists in a recent Duke University study, 49 per cent contained the chemical. 

Levels of TPHP tend to be higher in women than in men, which scientists believe is due to women’s higher use of chemical-laden cosmetic products. 

The ‘low-tox’ alternative: Instead of lacquering on chemical-filled polish to your tips, try Kester Black’s cruelty-free, vegan, Australian polish ($19.95). 

LAUNDRY DETERGENTS AND CARCINOGENS

They might smell nice.

But countless laundry detergents and fabric softeners contain ‘toxic chemicals which can cause allergic reactions and may even be carcinogenic’,’ Marissa said.

The ‘low-tox’ alternative: That Red House Soapberries ($22.95) can be re-used over several loads and also contain what is often called ‘nature’s soap’. 

Many supermarket-bought salts contain ‘a toxic heavy metal’ – but Marissa recommends you opt for a more natural option like Himalayan, Celtic or natural sea salt (stock image)

SALT AND ALZHEIMER’S 

Marissa said that one of the best things you can do for good health is abolish aluminium.

And while you might not expect it, one of the best places to start is by taking a look at your salt shaker.

‘The anticaking agent (554) sodium aluminosilicate is a toxic heavy metal which can be found in many supermarket varieties of granulated salt,’ she explained.

‘By opting for a more natural option like Himalayan, Celtic or natural sea salt, you can significantly lower your risk of Alzheimer’s.’

The ‘low-tox’ alternative: Himalayan, Celtic or natural sea salt. 

‘Previously used to manufacture nuclear weapons and rat poison, fluouride has a checquered past,’ Marissa said (stock image)

TOOTHPASTE AND TOXINS

Research shows that a typical household contains more than 60 hazardous chemicals, and Marissa said the health effects of these toxins range from ‘allergic reactions to hormone imbalances’.  

One of the things that isn’t great for your health is some toothpastes:

‘Previously used to manufacture nuclear weapons and rat poison, fluouride has a checquered past,’ she explained.

‘If you’re concerned about the toxicity of this mineral, ditch your traditional toothpaste for a natural option.’

The ‘low-tox’ alternative: Natural toothpastes using ingredients such as spearmint, sage, thyme and tea tree oil.

Try a natural fertiliser that will ‘replenish the minerals in depleted soil while also giving your plants the healthy nutrients they crave’ for your garden – like apple cider vinegar (pictured)

FERTILISER AND CHEMICALS

Want to look after your plants naturally but don’t know where to start?

Try a natural fertiliser instead of your regular option, that will ‘replenish the minerals in depleted soil while also giving your plants the healthy nutrients they crave’.

The ‘low-tox’ alternative: Apple cider vinegar, Epsom salts or molasses.