Tips for Low-Toxin Lifestyle: Self Care + Home Product Selection
How would it make you feel to know that most home and personal care products you can buy off the shelf at major retailers contain toxins that affect your health?
I’m sorry to say, if it is a major name-brand, it probably isn't great for you. Even the products labeled “natural” and marketed as healthy alternatives, probably aren’t. Major product distribution companies are REALLY GOOD at branding and packaging products in a way that makes you think they’re better for your health and the environment.
Be cautious of “greenwashed” products. Do your independent research or use a resource like the EWG app (The Environmental Working Group) to learn more about your products before you buy. With this easy-to-use app you can download and scan your products to see how safe they are. Products are given an overall rating from Lowest Concern, Few/no known or suspected hazards to health or the environment and good ingredient disclosure through High Concern, Potentially significant hazards to health or the environment or poor ingredient disclosure.
The Doctor is in the House
I have some doctor-recommended tips from holistic functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Natalie Underberg, DC (@the.pcos.doc). She offers info about what these hidden chemicals do to your system and makes suggestions for low-toxin alternatives for personal and environmental/home health.
Dr. Natalie Says:
“Standard cleaning and beauty products are full of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and overwhelm our detox pathways. Across a span of cosmetics, makeup, toothpaste, and shampoo, to items ranging from household cleaners to food items. Hundreds of potentially harmful ingredients banned in the EU are legally allowed in the US. In cosmetics alone, the EU has banned or restricted more than 1,300 chemicals while the US has outlawed or curbed just 11. Parabens, linked to reproductive problems, again banned in the EU but not the US, remain in skin and hair products. I recommend phasing out products to non-toxic alternatives. I love doTERRA for cleaning/home products and BeautyCounter + Primally Pure for makeup and skincare.”
We also have to talk about the smelly-good stuff you have around your house…
I’m going to refer to the expert again here. “The word fragrance (parfum, perfume, eau de parfum) on a label signifies a mix of potentially hundreds of ingredients, and the exact formulas of most companies are considered “trade secrets”. Phthalates, a class of chemicals typically found in fragrance, are especially harmful to hormones. These chemicals are known as xenoestrogens and can cause hormonal imbalance and estrogen dominance. It can also lead to excess estrogen in males causing breast tissue growth, decreased testosterone, and sperm production. I recommend choosing fragrance-free personal care items, cleaning products, and laundry detergents. Make sure to check ingredient labels to find out where else fragrance lurks; it can show up in unexpected places you wouldn’t even think would have it. For safer ways of freshening your indoor air, try using products that remove the scents instead of covering them up. A good quality air filter can remove odors along with other allergens and toxins in the air. You can also turn to natural odor-busters like doTERRRA essential oils to fragrance your home, clothes, and products.” Not to mention there are countless studies linking fragrance to carcinogenic (having the potential to cause cancer) effects. Do your own fragrance affect research on a quality info site like PubMed.
So what now? Feeling a little confused about next steps to detox your home?
Changing up the products in your home can seem daunting. The first step is bringing awareness to what you’re using now. You don’t have to make the switch to “green and clean” all at once. Once you run out of something, look for greener alternatives. If you’re a DIY person, there are loads of resources on the internet for creating your own products.
Most of my home and health products now come from retailers with integrity I found online. I don’t visit stores like Target or Walgreens any longer for medicine cabinet and personal care items. I choose to shop with companies that have high purity and testing standards like doTERRA. Envision a life where finding solutions for home and personal care is simple. With an essential oil reference guide [send me a message and I’ll get you one] and a box of dōTERRA CPTG® essential oils at your fingertips, you’ll be prepared to address 80% of your health priorities. This is what my life looks like after years of researching quality products and shedding those that don’t meet clean, low-tox standards. Everything from their product line is made from natural, plant-derived ingredients I can trust, and that provides me peace of mind. I use the oils for emotional care and body pain, supplements to support my body functions, and household items like soap and toothpaste. I love the charcoal deodorant from Branch Basics and their dry shampoo. I recently started using 100% Pure makeup, everything is edible quality!
The wrap up…
Give your body systems a break, and choose cleaner and greener products for your personal care and home. For those times when you need additional care, partner with practitioners who support you in finding the best proven natural solutions. If you need a recommendation for practitioners with a more holistic, natural approach, DM on Instagram or send me a message on my website. I can help you find the right practitioner for you.
I am passionate about helping my community live their best lives. When we take good care of ourselves, we can show up fully for ourselves and those we love. I offer in-person and online classes monthly for lifestyle and wellness. Most are free, check them out!
Final note:
I’ve been on a personal health journey for years. I’ve got an arsenal of quality resources. If I said something here that sparked your interest, reach out. I’m happy to be a resource for you.
