Simple home upgrades can enhance your living environment and positively impact your health. Discover how your home can support a longer, healthier life - this article explores improvements that boost comfort, reduce stress and promote longevity. If you feel the air quality in your home should be healthier, check out how Panasonic ventilation fans and energy recovery ventilators can help.
Just a few small tweaks can have a major impact.
If you could make simple switches in your home that are scientifically proven to not only lengthen your life but improve your quality of living, you’d make those changes, right? Well, then, get ready to make some updates because it’s entirely possible to transform your space into a haven that promotes health and longevity.
From testing your home for mold to preparing meals as a family, these research-backed tips are easy to implement and can transform your space into a sanctuary for a healthier, happier life.
Test Your Home for Mold
Get your home tested for toxic mold – especially if you’ve ever had water damage, live in a humid environment, or are experiencing any mold exposure symptoms.
“This advice is near and dear to me because I spent the majority of my childhood living in a moldy house, leading to brain damage and a variety of other health issues,” says Dave Asprey, a four-time New York Times bestselling author, host of The Human Upgrade podcast. He’s been dubbed The Father of Biohacking. “Inhaling toxic mold is really bad for you and can cause symptoms ranging from frequent nosebleeds to intense fatigue and brain fog.”
You won’t always see mold, as it’s often hiding in the walls, behind furniture, or in dark and difficult-to-see spaces. If you do find mold, you’ll need to take steps to properly remediate.
Photo courtesy of Panasonic Eco Systems
Prioritize Indoor Air Quality
In that same vein, do whatever you can to improve the air quality inside your home. This means routinely changing out your HVAC filters and ensuring all is running smoothly, and incorporating air purifiers with HEPA filters that capture fine particles of dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Research from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that improving indoor air quality can significantly reduce respiratory and cardiovascular risks.
Stock Your Fridge With Nutritious Whole Foods
Getting your fridge right encourages healthy meals and healthier snacking, which can pay off in spades when it comes to boosting longevity.
“Real, whole foods support overall health by providing essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that contribute to heart health, improved digestion, and better mental well-being,” says Whitney Cardosi, a nutrition coach and cooking teacher. “When we cook meals at home, we control the ingredients and ensure that we're eating meals free from excess sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that are commonly found in processed foods.”
Conversely, eating lots of highly processed, nutrient-poor foods has been linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Filter Your Drinking Water
Our bodies cannot survive without water, and the higher-quality the water, the better. “It’s very important because tap water may contain a variety of dangerous contaminants including arsenic, disinfection by-products, lead, nitrate, PFAS, and uranium,” Asprey says, noting a 2023 study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. “These toxins can damage DNA, mess with hormones, and accelerate aging. Your best bet is to install a reverse osmosis system and then add minerals back into the water.”
Optimize Lighting for Circadian Health
Your home’s lighting can significantly influence your sleep-wake cycles, which are crucial for overall health and longevity. Use full-spectrum light bulbs during the day to mimic natural daylight and dim and soft, low lighting in the evening to signal your body to wind down.
Research published in 2019 in Nature shows that exposure to bright artificial lights at night disrupts melatonin production, leading to poor sleep and, as a result, an increased risk of chronic diseases. Consider blackout curtains or sleep masks for bedrooms and smart lighting systems that adjust brightness based on the time of day.
Reduce Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
Buying things these days sort of feels like walking in a minefield, so if you’re overwhelmed by the conversation around chemicals in products you’re not alone. The biggest no-nos to avoid include products made with phthalates, BPA, and formaldehyde, all of which may disrupt endocrine functions and lead to long-term health risks.
Opt for non-toxic cleaning supplies, BPA-free food storage and cooking materials (glass and stainless steel are great), and furniture or clothing made without flame retardants or other harmful treatments. Research from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences links consistent exposure to these chemicals with cancer, hormonal imbalances, and other health problems.
This article was written by Wendy Rose Gould from Real Simple and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
