The impact of toxicity on our health

Unfortunately, toxins are everywhere- the air, water, food supply, and products we use every day. Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. Common toxic chemicals found in everyday products include phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances can be found in everything from personal care items to household cleaners and even food packaging, and prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to a range of health issues, including allergies, hormone disruption, damage to the endocrine system, and cancer. 

You may have learned in school that the largest organ in our body is the skin, and we need to be careful what our skin is absorbing. The good news is that with some simple shifts, you can make a huge difference and create a healthier home!

Benefits of a non-toxic lifestyle

Where do I even begin with the benefits of this lifestyle? While we made these shifts once a serious health concern arose, we should have made these changes a long time ago. We can’t go back,  and dwelling on the past isn’t healthy, so instead, we choose to focus on things we can do now that will take our health in the right direction. Here are some of the most incredible benefits of a toxic-free lifestyle:

• reduced allergic reactions
• clearer skin
• balanced hormones
• better sleep
• lower cortisol levels
• disease prevention
• better reproductive health
• Stronger immune system
• improved gut health

In addition to the health benefits, non-toxic products are so much better for our environment! Not only will you reduce your toxic exposure, you’ll support the environment, too.

What does creating a non-toxic home look like?

This may seem overwhelming, but let’s take it one step at a time. There are incredibly easy ways to embrace a low-tox lifestyle today, while some changes will happen over time. Here are my favorite tips in order from the simplest tip to more challenging changes that may require more time or finances:

• Open your windows throughout the day to cycle the air in your home
• Take your shoes off at the door
• Swap cleaning supplies for low-tox alternatives like baking soda, vinegar, castile soap, and rubbing alcohol (I have a whole post on natural cleaners here!)
• Swap out dryer sheets for wool dryer balls. If you miss the scent, use a few drops of essential oil before tossing them in the dryer
• Get an air purifier for cleaner air year-round- PuroAir, Levoit, and AirDoctor are all excellent options
• Swap out candles, plug-in scents, and other air fresheners filled with synthetic fragrances for safer options like beeswax candles, essential oils, and other low-tox alternatives to reduce indoor air pollution
• Choose organic foods when possible to help cut back on exposure to harmful pesticides- the Dirty Dozen is an excellent place to start
• Slowly swap personal care and beauty products for cleaner, more natural brands that are trustworthy—I’ll share how to do this later!
• Ditch non-stick pans for a safer option like cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic
• Swap any plastic cups, silverware, dishes, and tupperware for glass, steel, or ceramic alternatives
• Invest in a quality water filter—there are dozens of options, but here’s a great one that includes an under-sink setup and drinking water filter.

The goal of natural living is not to fear toxins and incessantly worry about what we’re exposed to. It’s also not to seek perfection because there is no such thing. The goal is to do our best, support our overall health, and reduce our toxic load. That way, when we are exposed to toxic items, our bodies are better prepared to handle them.