Things To Throw Away For Better Health

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  • 1/20
    When we talk about the steps you need to take to get healthier, they often involve buying new things: workout clothes, fitness equipment, ingredients for healthy recipes, and the list goes on. But becoming the healthiest version of yourself also means throwing away the stuff that’s holding you back!
    1/20 When we talk about the steps you need to take to get healthier, they often involve buying new things: workout clothes, fitness equipment, ingredients for healthy recipes, and the list goes on. But becoming the healthiest version of yourself also means throwing away the stuff that’s holding you back!
  • 2/20
    Musty air filters - If you have an air purifier at home, you get a gold star, just don’t forget to replace the filter every so often or you could actually be growing mold and bacteria, and blowing contaminants back into your air.
    2/20 Musty air filters - If you have an air purifier at home, you get a gold star, just don’t forget to replace the filter every so often or you could actually be growing mold and bacteria, and blowing contaminants back into your air.
  • 3/20
    Antibacterial soap - Antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing bacteria than the regular stuff—and they may not be safe, according to a 2014 FDA report. The active ingredient in antibacterial cleansers, has been shown to alter hormone regulation in animals, and there’s also concern that the chemical may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
    3/20 Antibacterial soap - Antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing bacteria than the regular stuff—and they may not be safe, according to a 2014 FDA report. The active ingredient in antibacterial cleansers, has been shown to alter hormone regulation in animals, and there’s also concern that the chemical may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
  • 4/20
    Stretched out bras - The elastic in bras can get stretched out over time which means less support for your girls. “Replacing a bra whenever it no longer lends comfort and support will help reduce back pain in heavier women, and can slow the natural process of aging in breast tissue,” says breast specialist Kristi Funk, MD.
    4/20 Stretched out bras - The elastic in bras can get stretched out over time which means less support for your girls. “Replacing a bra whenever it no longer lends comfort and support will help reduce back pain in heavier women, and can slow the natural process of aging in breast tissue,” says breast specialist Kristi Funk, MD.
  • 5/20
    Plastic cutting boards - Slicing and dicing on plastic cutting boards scores the surface (those lines you begin seeing after the first few times you use one). Once bacteria get into these tiny grooves and begin to grow, they can be very difficult to get rid of.
    5/20 Plastic cutting boards - Slicing and dicing on plastic cutting boards scores the surface (those lines you begin seeing after the first few times you use one). Once bacteria get into these tiny grooves and begin to grow, they can be very difficult to get rid of.
  • 6/20
    Air fresheners - Though some companies have recently announced they’re phasing out phthalates, which are used to help fragrance linger longer, many air fresheners still contain this type of chemical, which in large doses may have harmful effects on reproduction or development.
    6/20 Air fresheners - Though some companies have recently announced they’re phasing out phthalates, which are used to help fragrance linger longer, many air fresheners still contain this type of chemical, which in large doses may have harmful effects on reproduction or development.
  • 7/20
    Clothes you no longer wear - How many items have you not worn within the last year? Many people who’ve lost weight keep the bigger sizes around in case they regain it, while others hold onto the size 2 jeans they wore in high school, thinking maybe if they diet they’ll fit again. In either case, seeing these items every day can bring on anxiety.
    7/20 Clothes you no longer wear - How many items have you not worn within the last year? Many people who’ve lost weight keep the bigger sizes around in case they regain it, while others hold onto the size 2 jeans they wore in high school, thinking maybe if they diet they’ll fit again. In either case, seeing these items every day can bring on anxiety.
  • 8/20
    Dirty contact lens case - “Using a dirty lens case is one of the primary risk factors for getting eye infections,” says Dr. Steinemann, who recommends replacing you lens case at least every three months, as well as cleaning, air-drying facedown, and using fresh solution daily.
    8/20 Dirty contact lens case - “Using a dirty lens case is one of the primary risk factors for getting eye infections,” says Dr. Steinemann, who recommends replacing you lens case at least every three months, as well as cleaning, air-drying facedown, and using fresh solution daily.
  • 9/20
    Diet sodas - A much-buzzed-about study published in the journal Nature found that non-caloric sweeteners such as saccharin (Sweet-n-Low), sucralose (Splenda), and aspartame (Equal) may mess with the gut bacteria that play a key role in healthy metabolism.
    9/20 Diet sodas - A much-buzzed-about study published in the journal Nature found that non-caloric sweeteners such as saccharin (Sweet-n-Low), sucralose (Splenda), and aspartame (Equal) may mess with the gut bacteria that play a key role in healthy metabolism.
  • 10/20
    Leftovers - When it comes to highly perishable food that contains animal ingredients, the rule of thumb is to eat, toss, or freeze after three days. Listeria is linked to scary things like meningitis, miscarriages, and even death.
    10/20 Leftovers - When it comes to highly perishable food that contains animal ingredients, the rule of thumb is to eat, toss, or freeze after three days. Listeria is linked to scary things like meningitis, miscarriages, and even death.
  • 11/20
    Old lip gloss - Anything that’s used around your mouth collects a lot of bacteria quickly, and the longer the bacteria sits in a moist tube, the more it grows. This increases your chance of infection if it gets into a cut or crack on the delicate skin of your lips.
    11/20 Old lip gloss - Anything that’s used around your mouth collects a lot of bacteria quickly, and the longer the bacteria sits in a moist tube, the more it grows. This increases your chance of infection if it gets into a cut or crack on the delicate skin of your lips.
  • 12/20
    Old mascara - Liquid makeup, including mascara, can harbor a lot of germs, says Thomas Steinemann, MD, an American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson who practices in Ohio. That’s why he recommends throwing tubes away two to three months after opening.
    12/20 Old mascara - Liquid makeup, including mascara, can harbor a lot of germs, says Thomas Steinemann, MD, an American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson who practices in Ohio. That’s why he recommends throwing tubes away two to three months after opening.
  • 13/20
    Old plastic containers - Go through your collection of food-storage containers and toss anything made of clear, rigid plastic, and stamped with a 7 or “pc” (stands for polycarbonate). “These are the types of containers that maycontain BPA,” says Sonya Lunder, MPH, a senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group, who also advises tossing warped or cracked containers.
    13/20 Old plastic containers - Go through your collection of food-storage containers and toss anything made of clear, rigid plastic, and stamped with a 7 or “pc” (stands for polycarbonate). “These are the types of containers that maycontain BPA,” says Sonya Lunder, MPH, a senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group, who also advises tossing warped or cracked containers.
  • 14/20
    Clutter - “In the end, we are what we think about, and what we think about is heavily influenced by what we keep around us,” Not sure where to start? Toss things that annoy you every time you see them, like socks that have lost their match, or your overflowing kitchen junk drawer. No matter what you decide to throw out (or donate), your goal is to whittle the physical objects down to only items that help you feel energized and accomplish your goals.
    14/20 Clutter - “In the end, we are what we think about, and what we think about is heavily influenced by what we keep around us,” Not sure where to start? Toss things that annoy you every time you see them, like socks that have lost their match, or your overflowing kitchen junk drawer. No matter what you decide to throw out (or donate), your goal is to whittle the physical objects down to only items that help you feel energized and accomplish your goals.
  • 15/20
    Smart devices - You don’t need to toss your iPhone or Android out completely (phew!), but you should definitely unplug from time to time. Mounting research indicates that information overload—what happens when you use smart devices constantly—is linked to depression and anxiety.
    15/20 Smart devices - You don’t need to toss your iPhone or Android out completely (phew!), but you should definitely unplug from time to time. Mounting research indicates that information overload—what happens when you use smart devices constantly—is linked to depression and anxiety.
  • 16/20
    Stale spices - Spices that have been hanging out in your cabinets for years probably won’t make you sick—but they won’t add any flavor to your food, which is key when you’re trying to cook healthy meals that don’t go overboard on fat or calories.
    16/20 Stale spices - Spices that have been hanging out in your cabinets for years probably won’t make you sick—but they won’t add any flavor to your food, which is key when you’re trying to cook healthy meals that don’t go overboard on fat or calories.
  • 17/20
    Your kitchen sponge - Studies show the kitchen sponge is the germiest thing in the average American household. While some experts recommend microwaving sponges daily to zap bacteria, We advise using a washcloth to clean dishes instead, grabbing a clean one every few days, and throwing the dirty ones in with your laundry.
    17/20 Your kitchen sponge - Studies show the kitchen sponge is the germiest thing in the average American household. While some experts recommend microwaving sponges daily to zap bacteria, We advise using a washcloth to clean dishes instead, grabbing a clean one every few days, and throwing the dirty ones in with your laundry.
  • 18/20
    Frayed toothbrushes - If you’re brushing in the morning and the evening like you’re supposed to, then your toothbrush bristles are probably becoming frayed and worn faster than you realize. Worn-out brushes are less effective at cleaning teeth and fighting off decay.
    18/20 Frayed toothbrushes - If you’re brushing in the morning and the evening like you’re supposed to, then your toothbrush bristles are probably becoming frayed and worn faster than you realize. Worn-out brushes are less effective at cleaning teeth and fighting off decay.
  • 19/20
    Worn out running shoes - Most running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 400 miles, for a runner who logs 30 miles a week, that’s about every three months. When shoes wear down, they lose their cushioning and are less capable of absorbing the impact of your foot landing with each step, so more force is transmitted to muscles, bones, and tendons, putting you at risk for injuries.
    19/20 Worn out running shoes - Most running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 400 miles, for a runner who logs 30 miles a week, that’s about every three months. When shoes wear down, they lose their cushioning and are less capable of absorbing the impact of your foot landing with each step, so more force is transmitted to muscles, bones, and tendons, putting you at risk for injuries.
  • 20/20
    Your chair - Global studies show that the average person sits 7.7 hours a day, and some estimate people sit up to 15 hours a day, says Robert Emery, professor of occupational health at the University of Texas School of Public Health. Excessive sitting impacts the body’s metabolic system, and can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and depression. He recommends switching to a standing desk at work.
    20/20 Your chair - Global studies show that the average person sits 7.7 hours a day, and some estimate people sit up to 15 hours a day, says Robert Emery, professor of occupational health at the University of Texas School of Public Health. Excessive sitting impacts the body’s metabolic system, and can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and depression. He recommends switching to a standing desk at work.

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