The Six Fabrics that are Healthiest for Your Body
by www.SixWise.com

When it comes to health you may not think twice about the type of fabric you're wearing, or at least not to the same extent you would think about the food you eat or the exercise you do.

But perhaps you should.

Most synthetic fabrics are treated with chemicals that not only get into the environment, they can be absorbed into your skin or inhaled into your lungs. Among the many toxic chemicals in man-made fabrics are:

• Formaldehyde

• Petrochemical dyes

• Volatile organic compounds

• Chemically treated wood pulp

• Flame-retardant chemicals

• Dye fixatives that come from heavy metals

These chemicals have been linked to health problems including cancer, immune system damage, behavioral problems and hormone disruption. So you can see why rubbing a synthetic towel all over your face, or even wearing a synthetic tank top while you go to the gym, may not be such a wise idea.

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The Best Fabrics for You

Natural fabrics are always the best choice for your health. If you can find organic versions, that's even better as they haven't been treated with pesticides (which can cling to clothing fibers). But organic or not, strive to purchase most of your fabrics in the following materials.

1. Cotton: This all-natural fiber from the cotton plant has been used to make clothing for over 5,000 years. It is hypoallergenic, breathable and helps wick moisture away from your body. Make sure to look for 100% cotton products, not those blended with synthetic materials.

2. Linen: Linen, which comes from the flax plant, was used in ancient Egypt to wrap mummies because it was a sign of purity and light. Today linen fabrics are sought after for their cool and light feel.

3. Wool: Wool has been used for thousands of years, and it is among the most versatile and beneficial materials. Wool is resistant to bacteria, mold, mildew and dust-mites, and naturally insulates your body, keeping you cool when it's hot out or warm when it's cool out. Wool also wicks moisture away from your body very effectively, and is naturally fire retardant (even firemen wear wool clothing). Though wool most commonly comes from sheep, it can come from other animals and is then classified according to the animal it came from (such as alpaca fleece, mohair, camel hair, cashmere and angora wool).

4. Cashmere: Cashmere comes from the fleece of Kashmir goats, and is generally regarded as the finest natural fiber. The material is not only extremely soft and light, it provides excellent warmth and ventilation. Cashmere is one of the most expensive fibers, as it takes the fleece of up to six goats to make one woman's sweater.

5. Silk: Silk comes from the silk worm and is coveted for its unique luster. It is extremely strong and lightweight, although it is easily snagged and will fade after prolonged sun exposure.

6. Hemp: Hemp is one of the oldest fibers, found in tombs dating fro 8,000 B.C. It is extremely strong and durable, and is well known for getting softer the longer it's worn. Hemp is also resistant to mold and ultraviolet light, and because of its porous nature holds color extremely well and provides excellent ventilation. Plus, hemp is extremely fast growing, producing 250% more fiber than cotton and 600% more fiber than flax using the same amount of land, according to HempTraders.com.

Keep in mind that even natural fabrics can be processed using chemicals like chlorine or insect repellants. So when choosing your textiles, look for those that highlight their natural processing, as well as their 100-percent natural fabric.

Finally, make sure that when you care for your fabrics you use only natural detergents. Otherwise, chemical residues including petroleum distillates and phenols, both common in commercial laundry detergents, can be left on your clothes and bedding. Sixwise.com highly recommends Envrio-Rite's Gentle Wash, ready-to-use detergent solution that leaves behind no residue to irritate sensitive skin. No harsh chemicals. No soapy residue. No fragrances -- just clean results.

Recommended Reading

How to Do (and NOT Do) Your Laundry

The Toxic Dangers of Typical Laundry Detergent

Sources

SelectComfort.com