1. Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly

This one is a no brainer, and we've heard it so many times it seems like a broken record that plays one little phrase over and over again. But it's so true! The healthier your body is, the better your immune system will be at defending against the toxins it encounters. Besides, the way I see it is you are not only protecting against harmful chemicals, you are staying fit and toned. More energy never hurt anybody!

2. Check Your Cosmetics

Expired cosmetics are NOT safe or healthy to use. Even if your cosmetics and personal care products have not expired, it's still a good idea to replace them every few months for sanitations' sake. Toss mascaras and lipgloss after six months, blushes, eyeshadows and foundations after a year, and lipsticks after two years. Sharpen eye pencils regularly. It's also a good idea to switch to all natural products such as Burt's Bees and Mineral Makeup.

3. Drink Purified Water

One way to protect against harmful chemicals that never occurs to most people is by drinking purified water. Tap water is full of pesticides and hard minerals that build up in your system much like a ring around a tub. Over time, they release bad-for-you toxins in your system. Remedy this problem by drinking purified water. Install water filters on all your taps around the house or buy drinking water at the grocery store.

4. Take off Your Shoes

Wearing shoes around the house does more than scatter dirt and mud. It tracks in things from outdoors like pesticides and cancer-causing substances. If you want to protect against harmful chemicals, be careful to remove shoes at the front door and vacuum, sweep and mop on a weekly basis if possible. As a bonus, your house will be clean!

5. Buy Fresh Produce Instead of Canned

Recently, more than 10 studies have detected BPA leaching from metal cans into the food inside. How scary is that! One of the best ways to protect against harmful chemicals is by buying fresh produce or produce in glass containers as opposed to metal. If you absolutely can't avoid it, look for cans that say "BPA Free" on them. Especially avoid buying acidic foods like tomatoes in cans as the acid encourages the chemicals to leach into the food.

6. Don't Use Fragranced Cleaning Products

Here's something you probably didn't know: fragranced cleaning products are made with phthalates, which helps the fragrance last longer. Phthalates are believed to cause cancer and infertility after long bouts of exposure. The best way to protect against this harmful chemical is to use non-fragranced or all-natural cleaning products around your home. Check out natural air fresheners and candles as well.

7. Buy Organic Food

Most organic food is grown, processed and packaged naturally and therefore much more healthy for the human body. This is one big way to protect against harmful chemicals! Also look for organic versions of food that have edible skins. Some examples are peaches, berries, celery, apples and leafy greens. By doing this you avoid extra exposure to pesticides.

8. Don't Put Plastic in the Microwave

If a plastic contains BPA, heat will cause the chemicals to leak out into the food you are about to consume and the very air you are breathing! Use glass containers in the microwave. If you simply can't avoid putting plastic into the microwave, check the bottom of your container. The ones with a number seven on the bottom most likely contain BPA and shouldn't be heated. Containers with a one, two or five on them are unlikely to contain BPA.

I hope this article has enlightened you to some of the dangers we are exposed to daily without our knowledge. Never overlook something that seems insignificant! Scientists are investigating whether or not certain illnesses such as breast cancer, heart disease, ADHD and infertility are caused by harmful chemicals. But now that you know 8 ways to protect against harmful chemicals, you don't have to worry about that! How do you protect yourself from harmful chemicals?

Top Photo Credit: Gerard Fritz