If you're looking to make some positive environmental changes in the coming year, a good place to start is right in your own medicine cabinet. Like most people, you probably have an overload of tubes and bottles, some that you don't even remember buying. The new year would be a good chance to empty out that cabinet, throw away the old and bring in new healthier options. Here are five feel-good, natural products that everyone should add to their life.

Natural Toothpaste

Have you noticed that your sensitive gums don't get better despite efforts to keep your mouth cleaner? While you'd think that brushing more would help, it might not if you're using regular toothpaste. Certain ingredients in a tube of paste make it similar to detergent. Additives like sodium laureth sulfate can aggravate or even cause mouth ulcers and irritated gums. Get out of this damaging cycle by switching to dye-free, natural toothpaste. The oils it contains will calm your inflamed mouth or gums and have your breath smelling minty and fresh.

CBD Products

You're probably aware that CBD products are all the rage. They're constantly in the news and everywhere you look. CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant. Unlike its counterpart cannabis, CBD does not produce a "high". CBD is sold in oil and also in edibles such as CBD oil gummies. These candies are a tasty way to reap the benefits of CBD and are convenient to carry around. Advantages to using these products include natural pain relief as well as anti-inflammatory and anxiety-reducing qualities. Many people have successfully used them to help with insomnia, as well.

Sulfate-Free Shampoo

One common complaint during winter is a dry, itchy scalp. While the cold weather can certainly sap the moisture out of your skin, shampoo can also aggravate the problem. Like the ingredients in commercial toothpaste, the additives in shampoo are extremely harsh. Not only are they drying, but they can also fade the best quality dye right out of your hair. Is that something you really want all over your body in the shower? The next time you're shopping for shampoo, choose all-natural. These sulfate-free options smell amazing and still create a thick lather. They'll restore healthy oils to your hair and you can say good-bye to irritating soap in your eyes.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been hailed as a miracle product in past years and with good reason. Not only can you cook with it, but you can keep a container in your bathroom for use as lip balm or moisturizer. Coconut oil absorbs quickly into your skin giving it a smooth luster. It's also known as a bacteria-buster leading many people to rinse it in their mouths every morning, an action called "oil pulling". It's also wonderful for your hair and may help in the healing of cuts or skin damage. Plus, it smells like a day at the beach! Taking into consideration the affordable price of coconut oil, it's a must-have for your kitchen and medicine cabinet.

Aluminum-Free Deodorant

You may have heard that there is a suspected link between aluminum and breast cancer. While more studies are needed, one thing is for sure--aluminum is an ingredient that humans don't need directly on their skin in products such as antiperspirant. Since you absorb almost everything you apply to your skin, you must be very selective about personal products. Aluminum acts as a sweat gland blocker when applied. This is neither healthy nor necessary. Natural, aluminum-free deodorants fight odor by using baking soda and essential oils. Your body will require a detox period once you abandon aluminum antiperspirants and odor will not be a problem. 

Making Healthy Choices

A new year is here and that means it's a great time to make some healthy resolutions. Make yours count by giving up the use of chemical-laden and potentially dangerous products. Instead, usher in natural ones to take their place. These positive changes will lead to a new you for many years to come.