ML Interest Tag: health-effects

Surprising Indoor Allergens That Can Really Mess with Your Family

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

As parents, we do everything we can to keep our families safe and healthy. We childproof our homes, make sure they eat well, and buy the best products for their overall well-being. But what about the air inside our homes?

While it’s easy to overlook, your indoor air quality can have a big impact on your kids’ health—just one more vital step in safeguarding their health!

We’ve broken down five surprising indoor allergies that could be affecting your family’s health and what you can do next to keep them protected.

5 Common Indoor Allergy Triggers You Might Not Know About

1. Dander

Despite common misconceptions, dander are tiny flecks of skin shed by both animals and people. Although you may think your cat or dog is a culprit, your child’s pet hamster or bird can also create dander. “Even your hairless cat can shed dander,” adds Gene Ehrbar, VP of Product at Molekule. And while hypoallergenic breeds exist, Ehrbar also warns that no animal is truly dander-free.

Dander often accumulates on your floors and furniture, and at times, it can become airborne and linger in the air, especially as you sweep or vacuum your house. Even if you don’t have pets, dander can make its way into your home on clothing or by visitors who have animals.

If you have any sensitive kiddos in your house, keep an eye out for sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, itchy, red, or watery eyes, or if they rub their nose a lot. For children with asthma, a dander allergy can also cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or a whistling or wheezing sound when they breathe out.

2. Volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be released into the air from household products, such as paints, cleaners, and air fresheners. They can cause short-term and long-term health effects, from headaches and nausea to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Ehrbar also urges parents to take caution with another household item you might not be aware of that releases VOCs: your gas stove. “You may have read in the news recently that gas stoves and the overall effects of cooking have an impact on indoor air quality,” says Ehrbar. “Inadequate ventilation can lead to unhealthy levels of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.”

And a recent Harvard study can confirm. Their recent study identified 21 VOCs alone from gas stoves that increase both children’s and adult’s risk for asthma, cancer, and other illnesses.

3. Dust mites

Dust mites are microscopic pests that live in the dust throughout our homes, as well as in the objects we use or come in contact with daily—we’re talking mattresses, pillows, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and even your kids’ stuffed animals. They thrive in warm, humid environments, and feed on dead skin flakes that we and our pets shed (yep, you read that right!).

Unfortunately, this common indoor allergen can trigger allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals, especially children. As kids typically spend most of their time playing indoors and on the ground, their developing lungs are more susceptible to ingesting dust and dirt.

“They inhale more air more rapidly in proportion to their size than adults do, which increases their exposure to air pollutants,” says Ehrbar. “They’re more likely to breathe through their mouth, meaning that pollutants bypass the body’s nasal filtration.”

4. Cockroach allergens

We hate to say it, but cockroaches are adaptable creatures that can survive in a wide range of environments. Sure, they commonly prefer more warm and humid environments, but they can survive just about anywhere there’s abundant food and shelter.

While you may not even have cockroaches in your home, there can still be cockroach allergens (a substance from cockroach saliva and droppings) lurking in your home. According to the American Lung Association, one in five homes that never had a cockroach problem still contain a significant amount of cockroach allergen in dust and fabrics.

These allergens, as you likely already guessed, are usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home where food is stored or prepared. They can worsen kids’ asthma symptoms and trigger asthma attacks, so be sure to keep your spaces clean and free of food debris.

5. Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that loves damp, humid environments. It spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air that can grow on your walls, ceilings, floors, and on furniture or carpet if they become damp. And it doesn’t take long for mold to take over; once a spore attaches to an item, mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours, and start to colonize anywhere from three to 12 days.

If you currently have any areas of your house with moisture issues, like the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and attic, it’s best to address it as soon as possible, as mold typically thrives in these spaces. Although some may be able to coexist with certain types of mold, kids’ respiratory systems are still developing.

This makes them more vulnerable to the effects of mold exposure, which can look like sneezing, a stuffy nose, itchy skin and rashes, recurring colds, or respiratory issues, such as coughing and chest tightness.

How to Control Indoor Allergies in Your Home

Reducing indoor allergies in your home can help create a healthier environment for your family. Here are some tips to help you minimize these five common allergens:

1. Upgrade your indoor air quality with Molekule’s air purifiers

Add an air purifier to rooms where your family spends the most time to ensure they’re breathing the cleanest air possible. Molekule’s Air Pro and Mini+ use a patented technology that goes beyond conventional filters to destroy allergens, pet dander, mold, bacteria, viruses, and odors.

The Air Pro is perfect for larger living spaces (like living rooms and family rooms), while the Mini+ is ideal for smaller areas like nurseries, playrooms, and bedrooms. Both air purifiers feature sensors that automatically adjust to air particle and chemical levels, ensuring that your air stays clean and fresh without any manual intervention. They’re also app-enabled and whisper-quiet, so you can control it from your smartphone and enjoy a peaceful environment.

2. Clean your home regularly

Although it now seems almost inevitable that you’ll come into contact with dust mites—four in five homes in the U.S. have dust mite allergens in at least one bed!—you can help reduce them by washing your bedding regularly in hot water and using allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. Be sure to also vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly to cut down on dust mites and dander, and remove shoes and outerwear before entering the home.

3. Remember: No crumbs left behind

Worried about cockroach allergens? Store food in airtight containers, and seal cracks and crevices where cockroaches can enter the home. Look to cockroach baits or traps, and keep, Molekule’s air purifier close by to further eliminate allergens.

4. Don’t forget pets need upkeep, too

Bathe and groom your pets regularly to reduce shedding, and wash their bedding and toys frequently. Try to designate pet-free zones in your home, especially in bedrooms, to help eliminate areas with pet dander.

5. Opt for natural cleaning products

Choose household products labeled as “low VOC” or “VOC-free,” and when using products like paints, cleaners, and air fresheners, do so in well-ventilated areas. Increase ventilation in your home by opening windows and using fans, and consider using natural alternatives to chemical-based products.

 

Improve your indoor air quality this spring by shopping for the Air Pro and Mini+ purifiers to help your family breathe easier!

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What You Should Be Buying at the Grocery Store (According to Nutritionists)

by Gabby Cullen

When it comes to feeding our families, parents know that despite our best intentions, sometimes all we can handle is what is quick and easy. But we also know that healthy food choices now set our kids up for better choices as they grow up. So what’s a busy parent to do? We asked some nutritional experts for advice on what to buy at the grocery store to set ourselves up for success, whether prepared foods, frozen veggies, or fresh. So even when you’ve got to bust out the mac and cheese once in a while, take their tips below, and you’ll be on the right track for a happy, healthy, well-fed family.

What to Buy at the Grocery Store

Whole Foods/Georg Beyer

Fresh Seafood

Registered dietician and Fresh Thyme Market's resident industry and retail expert Meghan Sedivy recommends parents make seafood a main source of protein twice a week if possible. “In addition to being a great meatless alternative, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, trout or oysters are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain and heart health." 

If you're not out there with a rod and a reel yourself, the frozen fish you find at the grocery store is usually flash-frozen for optimal taste and freshness, which makes it easy to have it on hand for a quick dinner. Sedivy reminds us that fatty fish is also, "a great source of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which aids in calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health.” 

Whole Foods

Have you ever heard the term “shopping the edges?” It means focusing on the exterior aisles of the grocery store—where the whole foods reside (all the processed food is in the middle). Renowned chef Gerard Viverito, aka “The Sustainable Chef,” stresses the importance of eating whole foods because that’s where you’ll get a nutritional bang for your buck. He says, "emphasize food quality over quantity by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense foods, high in fiber and low in net carbs-but are still packed with other nutrients.”  

Also, according to Nicolette M. Pace, MS, RDN, CDE, CBC, CDN, CFCS, and FAND, you should be paying attention to the labels. “Don't be fooled by packaged items that are marketed as ‘made with fresh fruit’ or ‘contains a full serving of vegetables.’ Single-ingredient foods like an apple or broccoli do not need labels they are whole foods." Instead, Pace recommends that you cut your selections to those with five or fewer ingredients. "More than likely, a paragraph of ingredients will contain additives, preservatives or flavor enhancers which if routinely eaten can harm a child's health.”

Plant-Based Snacks

Often, the snack foods our kids want for lunch or after school are just empty calories. Consider swapping some of them out with plant-based snacks. Kids will still feel like they're eating snacks, but they'll fill up on fiber and protein. Jill Castle, MS, RDN, is a huge believer in plant-based proteins for kids. “For plant-based snack ideas, try edamame in the shell or black bean dip with whole-grain crackers,” she says. Or, if they’re dying to have a favorite like mac and cheese, a plant-based version, like Banza, a high-protein, chickpea-based pasta, is a good substitution. “Not only does it deliver a plant-based source of protein, but it’s also a significant source of calcium and iron,” says Castle. 

vegetables should be on your list of what to buy at the grocery store
FitNish Media via Unsplash

Fresh (and, If Possible, Local) Produce 

When it comes to healthy food, fresh is best. The best way to eat fresh produce is to try to eat seasonally and locally. If you can’t swing that, stick with what’s available or frozen veggies. It’s also important to try to “eat the rainbow,” Pace says. “Start with a list of different fruits and vegetables that are five different colors in a rich rainbow of healthy nutrition for a child's mental and physical growth. A colorful plate of food is not only appealing to kids, but the plant pigments in red, orange/yellow, green, purple, and even white are plant chemicals, which are super-smart superfoods that help keep kids healthy and develop well.” 

Sedivy agrees with this concept. “I always recommend picking up fresh, in-season produce when grocery shopping. Not only do fruits and vegetables add a pop of color to your plate, but they add flavor, and texture and increase your nutrient intake. Aim for at least three different colored fruit or veggie options like blueberries, tomatoes, green beans, or Brussels sprouts to ensure that you are consuming a variety of nutrients.”

Healthy Fats 

Fat can be an excellent source of nutrition; it just depends on what type you're eating, and yes, there’s a difference. Fats from things like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish are all filled with healthy-boosting qualities. Chef Viverito is a big fan. His list of healthy fat sources includes grass-fed butter, ghee, avocados, coconut oil, MCT oil, olive oil, sesame oil, walnut oil and Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil. He mentions palm oil in particular. “Malaysian palm oil has scientifically proven benefits for the heart, brain and liver. It is loaded with carotenoids, much more than carrots and tomatoes. It’s also much better for cooking and grilling, as it holds up to high heat and has a neutral flavor.”

Pantry Staples

It’s important to have a few basic ingredients on hand at all times, so you can make a homemade meal instead of deferring to pre-packaged meals, so be sure to always have a running list before you hit the grocery store. If you're wondering what you can make with these few ingredients, check out our roundup of pantry meals. 

What Not to Buy at the Grocery Store

soda isn't what to buy at the grocery store
NeONBRAND via Unsplash

Sugary Drinks

We’ve known about this one for a while, but sometimes it can be tempting to let the kids have that sugar-free energy drink or even the juice box. There’s not only a ton of added sugar in sodas, juices and other flavored drinks, but there are also a lot of artificial ingredients. According to The Sustainable Chef, it’s important to avoid heavily processed fruit juices and sodas. “Clean hydration is important because they help flush your system,” he says. “Water, sparkling water, green tea, black tea, coffee, protein shakes, milk alternatives, vegetable juice, kefir, and kombucha can all offer interesting alternatives to often chemical-laden and heavily processed fruit juices and sodas.”

Processed Foods

Processed foods are another one to avoid if you can. Processed foods are likely to have far more additives and fewer of the micronutrients your body needs. What’s more, they are associated with several negative health effects, including weight gain, diabetes, overall mortality and heart disease. By choosing processed foods over nutritious, whole foods, you may become deficient in micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, and K,” says Chef Vivierto.

Non-Grass Fed or Organic Meats

This can get pricey, but it’s worth it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, while grass-fed meats are the best, organic meat is still better than nothing at all. The benefits of choosing these pricer cuts of meats range from being better for the environment to having more nutritional benefits like extra omega-3 fatty acids, less cholesterol and more antioxidants. 

Pre-Packaged Deli Meats

Turkey, ham and chicken cuts can be a good source of protein for kids, but the pre-packaged stuff has tons of saturated fat and sodium. The Cleveland Clinic recommends selecting fresh deli meats because they have fewer nitrates, look for the leanest cut of meat or a low-sodium option. 

 

 

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Considering an Air Purifier? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

From school to home—and everywhere in between!—parents are paying a lot of attention to air quality these days. And while there’s a whole big world out there, you can add a helpful device to breathe cleaner in your living space: an air purifier. Since you’re no stranger to wiping sticky hands, vacuuming endless cracker crumbs and tackling a plethora of household messes, this must-have gives your air a good cleaning too! Keep reading to get everything you need to know about in-home air purifiers:

Get your air purified today with Molekule.

 

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers work their magic by getting rid of odors, allergens, dust and other unwanted airborne substances. (Yep, there’s a whole bunch of stuff living with us we can’t even see!). The fan component sucks in air which is then forced out through a filter, trapping pollutants—some of which can cause adverse health effects or aggravate allergies and asthma. Simply put: dirty air in, clean air out. By minimizing contaminants, the quality of the air circulating around your home improves. How’s that for a breath of fresh air?

Cool! But Let’s Get Back to Those Pollutants… What Should the Air Filter Remove?

Sources of air pollution include: 

  • Particulate matter: This is a mix of solid particles and liquid droplets of differing sizes suspended in the air (think dust and dirt). Since PMs are so small, people often don’t notice they’re even breathing them in.
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These can be found in cleaning products, disinfectants, paints and solvents, aerosol sprays and pesticides. Not all VOCs are harmful to our health, but some may cause an allergic reaction for those with sensitivities. Although they evaporate at room temperature, they can quickly become part of the air that you breathe when using them.
  • Bioaerosols: Emitted or released from living beings, bioaerosols include mold, bacteria, viruses and allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander.

 

Get your air purified today with Molekule. Students, educators and first responders get a 15% discount code with SheerID verification.

Are All Air Purifiers Created Equal When It Comes to Cleaning Indoor Air?

Not all air purifiers can handle the same type of pollutants effectively. Molekule uses Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) technology to collect and destroy (through a light-activated chemical reaction) the widest range of pollutants in the air we breathe, compared to traditional air purifiers. PECO technology traps large particles and breaks down harmful pollutants to their most basic molecular components, including VOCs, mold, bacteria, viruses and allergens. Thanks to nanotechnology, PECO is able to destroy pollutants 1,000 times smaller than what HEPA standard tests for. Better yet, PECO meets rigorous performance criteria in FDA guidance for use in helping reduce risk of viral exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 virus. It’s important to note that while an air purifier can help reduce exposure, it should be combined with PPE and other countermeasures suggested by government authorities.

What Size Do I Need?

This depends on where you’re using it! A small office requires a different size than a large home. Molekule has several versions:

  • Molekule Air is for large rooms up to 600 sq. ft. (large bedrooms, living rooms, and family rooms)
  • Molekule Air Mini is for small rooms up to 250 sq. ft. (studio apartments, kids’ bedrooms, and home offices) 
  • Molekule Air Mini+ has the features of Air Mini with a couple of extras including a sensor to measure airborne particulate matter levels and Auto Protect mode to regulate fan speed for optimal air purification
  • Molekule Air Pro is for extra-large rooms up to 1000 sq. ft. (open floorplans or office settings)

Ready to say peace out, pollutants? With school on the horizon, now’s the perfect time for peace of mind that you’re improving the air your family breathes at home. 

Get your air purified today with Molekule. Students, educators and first responders get a 15% discount code with SheerID verification.

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Kids’ Cereal Sold at Trader Joe’s & More Recalled for Undeclared Allergens

by Erica Loop

If your child has celiac disease or a gluten allergy or sensitivity, you should know about the recent Nature’s Path Foods cereal recall. The company voluntarily recalled several of its cereal products, including EnviroKidz Choco Chimps, Gorilla Munch and Jungle Munch, for an undeclared gluten ingredient. According to a representative from Nature’s Path Foods, the recall includes over 40,000 boxes of cereal in the Unites States and Canada.

The cereal, which was sold at retailers such as Trader Joe’s, can cause adverse health effects for anyone with a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity. If your child (or anyone else in your household) can’t eat gluten, read on to find out what this recall means for your family.

photo: Courtesy of U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Recall Description: Nature’s Path Foods Cereals

The current recall includes 10-ounce sizes of EnviroKids Choco Chimp (best before date Aug. 27, 2019) , Gorilla Munch (best before date either Aug. 24, 2019 or Sep. 21, 2019) and Jungle Munch (best before date Aug. 1, 2019) cereals sold at retailers across the United States. Boxes of the cereal were also sold in Canada.

Why the Cereal Was Recalled

According to a representative from Nature’s Path Foods, “The gluten contact was airborne, due to a scheduling error. We have worked with team members to ensure gluten-free and gluten cereals are never run at the same timeframe or overlapping in our plant to provide a gluten-free environment.” As a production error, the gluten ingredients are not listed on the packaging. Anyone with a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity could have an adverse reaction to the recalled products.

In response to the recent production error Nature’s Path Foods will increase testing for gluten every hour, versus twice per 12-hour period.

How to Tell If Your Cereal Is Part of the Recall

If you have one of the Nature’s Path Foods cereals listed, look for the best before date and UPC code. Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website for a full list of affected products and UPC codes here.

What Parents Can Do

Parents with children who have a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity should immediately stop serving the affected cereals. Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or contact Nature’s Path Consumer Services at 1-866-880-7284 between Monday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST or email the company at ConsumerServices@naturespath.com.

—Erica Loop

 

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