Winter Holiday Guide: Creating a Cozy and Autoimmune-Friendly Home
The winter holiday season is here, bringing with it all the joys of the cozy months—twinkling lights, festive decorations, warm blankets, and hot drinks by the fire. But if you have an autoimmune disease, it’s essential to consider the hidden chemicals in some of your favorite holiday staples that could trigger inflammation, skin irritation, headaches, or other symptoms. We've created a guide for things to consider when your decorating and celebrating this holiday season specifically for an autoimmune lifestyle.
Here’s your guide to keeping the winter season both festive and conducive to an autoimmune lifestyle so you can enjoy the holidays in health and comfort:
1. Candles: Choose Natural Light Over Synthetic Scents
Candles are a quintessential part of the holiday season, adding warmth and ambiance to any space. However, many popular holiday candles contain synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax, which can release harmful toxins into the air when burned.
Our pick is this candle from Pacific Jade
What to Avoid:
Paraffin Wax: Derived from petroleum, it releases carcinogenic chemicals when burned.
Synthetic Fragrances: Contain phthalates, which disrupt hormone balance and may worsen autoimmune symptoms.
Metal or Lead Wicks: These can release heavy metals into the air.
Safe Alternatives:
Opt for candles made from 100% soy wax, coconut wax, or beeswax, scented with natural essential oils.
Choose candles with cotton or wooden wicks for a clean burn.
2. Sweaters and Festive Clothing: Steer Clear of Harmful Dyes
Holiday outfits are often vibrant, cozy, and celebratory, but some fabrics and dyes used in seasonal clothing can trigger autoimmune symptoms. Wrinkle-resistant or colorfast fabrics often contain formaldehyde or azo dyes, which can cause skin irritation and other allergic reactions.
Our pick is this sweater from the Gap.
What to Avoid:
Formaldehyde: Found in wrinkle-free and water-resistant clothing.
Azo Dyes: Used in brightly colored synthetic fabrics and linked to allergic reactions.
Safe Alternatives:
Choose organic cotton, wool, or bamboo garments.
Look for GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) clothing, which is free from harmful dyes and finishes.
3. Blankets and Throws: Ditch Synthetic Fibers for Natural Comfort
Whether you’re wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket to watch holiday movies or adding festive throws to your décor, the materials matter. Many synthetic blankets, like those made from polyester or acrylic, are treated with flame retardants that can disrupt your hormone levels and immune system.
Our pick is this cozy blanket from Eddie Bauer.
What to Avoid:
Flame Retardants: PBDEs and other chemicals that interfere with hormone regulation.
Synthetic Fibers: Materials like polyester and acrylic that are often treated with harmful chemicals.
Safe Alternatives:
Opt for blankets made from organic cotton, linen, or wool, which are naturally flame resistant.
Look for products with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification to ensure they are free of harmful substances.
4. Holiday Rugs and Carpets: Avoid VOCs from Synthetic Materials
Adding rugs or carpets during the winter months can make your home feel warm and festive, but new synthetic options often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or headaches.
Our pick is this 100% cotton rug from Target.
What to Avoid:
VOCs: Found in synthetic carpets, especially those treated with stain repellents.
Synthetic Backing: Can off-gas harmful chemicals over time.
Safe Alternatives:
Use natural fiber rugs made from jute, cotton, or wool.
Allow new rugs to air out for several days before use to reduce off-gassing.
5. Holiday Mugs and Kettles: Check for BPA and Lead
Nothing says "holiday season" like sipping hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a warm tea. However, the mugs and kettles you use could be leaching harmful chemicals like BPA or lead into your beverages.
Our pick is this lead-free and cadmium free high quality ceramic mug.
What to Avoid:
Plastic Mugs and Kettles: These often contain BPA, which can leach into liquids when exposed to heat.
Lead-Glazed Ceramics: Some ceramic mugs, especially older or non-regulated ones, may contain harmful lead in the glaze.
Safe Alternatives:
Choose stainless steel, glass, or certified lead-free ceramic mugs and kettles.
Look for BPA-free labels when purchasing drinkware.
This winter holiday season, create a cozy, festive, and autoimmune-friendly home by making mindful choices about the products you use. Swapping synthetic materials for natural fibers, avoiding harmful chemicals, and choosing safe alternatives for candles, blankets, and mugs can help reduce inflammation and improve your overall well-being.
Stay tuned and check out The Autoimmune Edit on socials for more tips on navigating the holidays, product recommendations, and advice on living well with autoimmune conditions.
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Sources:
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2018). Overview of Indoor Air Quality: Candles and Incense.
2. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2021). Phthalates: The Everywhere Chemical.
3. Occupational Health and Safety Administration. (2017). Formaldehyde Hazards in Clothing.
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2015). Flame Retardants and Their Impact on Thyroid Health.
5. Steinemann, A. (2019). Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from Scented Consumer Products. *Environmental Research*.
6. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. (2022). Phthalates in Fragrance and Consumer Products.
7. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2011). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in New Carpets: Effects on Health.
8. Toxics Use Reduction Institute. (2017). Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): A Flame Retardant of Concern.
9. International Journal of Dermatology. (2013). Allergic Reactions to Azo Dyes in Clothing: A Common but Often Undiagnosed Problem.
10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). BPA in Food Packaging and Kitchenware.
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