Photo by Alberto Castillo Q on Unsplash
Have you ever felt like it’s impossible to reduce the toxins in your body?
It can certainly be a little overwhelming once you start down the wellness path, especially since there are so many things out there that can contribute to toxins in the body.
I always recommend starting small and making little changes first. From there you can build upon that and really start to flush out the toxins in the body in a big way.
But where do you start?
Since I am a huge advocate for safer skincare, I definitely recommend starting with skincare and cosmetics that are free of the BIG toxins (ones that are most common and/or the most toxic). But considering how many there are, it is best to pick 8-10 of the big toxins to start with.
Next, check out these 10 ways to reduce the toxins in your body. And don’t feel like you need to do everything all at once. Pick one and work on that. Once you feel comfortable with that one then move to the next!
Toxins In Body Reduction #1 – Clean Up Your Cleaners
Traditional household cleaners might be convenient, but they are LOADED with harsh chemicals that can really damage your system (think endocrine disruption on HIGH).
A friend of mine, who lost her aunt to cancer, has said that her doctors believed the cancer was caused by years and years of chemical exposure from her cleaning business. That’s both very sad, and VERY scary!
So what should you use instead? Simple household items such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice can make a nice, natural cleaner that is just as effective as harsh chemical cleaners. Not only that, but you’ll actually save some money by making the switch!
If your looking for disinfectants, try essential oils such as tea tree, cinnamon, and oregano (but be sure not to use these around your furry family members! For more on that, check out this post).
Toxins In Body Reduction #2 – Avoid Synthetic Fragrance, Opt for Natural Scents instead
I’ve said this from the very beginning. Synthetic Fragrance is a HUGE NO-NO……whether in personal care products OR home use products such as air fresheners.
Why? For one, companies are allowed to mask thousands of chemicals by using this one word – “fragrance” – because it is considered to be a trade secret. And because of this, there is no way of knowing what harsh chemicals were used to make that delightful smell.
Plus, traditional air fresheners are loaded with harsh chemicals, such as phthalates, just like their cleaning friends! Instead of taking this risk, opt for making your own room spray at home with essential oils, alcohol, and water. Easy peasy!
For more info on synthetic fragrance and other toxins, be sure to pick up my Top Toxins to Avoid guide, a $97 value, and it’s FREE right now! You can pick it up easily by clicking the button below.
Toxins In Body Reduction #3 – Switch to Beeswax Candles
While were on the topic of fragrance, let’s talk about candles. Most traditional candles are made with petroleum, a form of crude oil, which gives off carcinogens, such as benzene, and other harmful compounds when burned. Not to mention that there are still some wicks out there which contain lead.
Pure Beeswax candles, however, are the best option for a clean burning candle. They have a sweet natural fragrance (the best option), or can be made with some essential oils (still a much safer alternative than traditional candles).
I’ve been trying some beeswax candles myself lately and have been enjoying them so far! For more info on candles click here.
And for a fun, decorative beeswax candle, check out this one!
Toxins In Body Reduction #4 – Ditch the Dryer Sheets
A commonly used product, and used to be one of my favorites, these often nice smelling laundry buddies contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzyl acetate, camphor, and many others.
Not only can these chemicals irritate the skin, but they can also have long-term effects on your kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and your nervous system. Surprised to learn this? I certainly was!
But the good news is that you don’t actually need dryer sheets to ward off static and leave your clothes soft and smelling fresh. Dryer balls are just as effective and can be used cycle after cycle.
There are several kinds out there, but I recommend wool dryer balls because they are washable, and you can add a drop or two of essential oils to them for a natural, fresh scent!
Toxins In Body Reduction #5 – Add some Greenery to Your Home
Growing up, my mom always had house plants, and still does today! It was a normal thing for me though I never gave it much thought.
While many just like them for decor, they actually serve as a natural air filter for your home too ~ filtering out toxic chemicals from your air such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and ammonia.
Look for plants like Peach Lilies, English Ivy, Red-edged Dracaena, Florist’s Chrysanthemum, and Variegated Snake Plant for the most effective options to remove these toxins and clean your air……..hopefully you’ll be able to keep them alive, unlike me who’s always been skilled at killing off plants, lol!
Toxins In Body Reduction #6 – Ditch the plastic food storage
Though there is a heightened sense of awareness around BPA in plastic, what most don’t know is that there are also many other harmful chemicals that plastic can leach into your food or drink, especially when heated or as they age. Instead, swap out the plastic for stainless steel, or better yet glass since glass leaves no metal taste nor does it stain or discolor.
For more on this topic, click here.
Toxins In Body Reduction #7 – Dust Often
Throughout the decades, more and more chemicals are being used to treat fabric, furniture, carpet, etc, thus causing toxic chemicals to show up more and more in household dust. To combat this, sweep a microfiber towel over surfaces and vacuum with a HEPA filter for the best reduction of exposure to chemical-carrying dust.
If you suffer from allergies, running an air purifier regularly will also help to keep them, indoor pollution and dust at bay…….this is a good thing to do even if you don’t suffer from allergies!
Toxins In Body Reduction #8 – Leave the shoes at the door
Many cultures don’t wear shoes in their homes, and with good reason! Taking off your outdoor shoes before coming through the door keeps dirt and outdoor toxins off your floors and outside where they belong.
If you do tend to wear shoes indoors then be sure to give them a good scrub from time to time (provided the material can handle it), and be sure to opt for a chemical-free cleaner when doing so!
Toxins In Body Reduction #9 – Go Organic
While you’re going through the motions of detoxing your home, be sure to check your fridge as well! Eliminating food treated with pesticides will help to decrease the toxins in your body as well. But don’t cut out those nutritious fruits and veggies altogether!
Instead, purchase organic produce. If your budget doesn’t allow for purchasing all organic then start with those that reside on the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” list. Or better yet, grow your own!
While we’re on the subject, start paying attention to the labels on your food. (This could be a whole other blog post in and of itself!)
Long lists of unfamiliar and especially unpronounceable ingredients are huge indicator that the product is riddled with food additives, preservatives, and other less-than ideal ingredients. Gradually replacing pre-packaged products with homemade or unprocessed foods is a great way to get started without it affecting your wallet too much.
Toxins In Body Reduction #10 – Let in Some Fresh Air
While outside air quality can vary depending on where you live, it is often better than the indoor air which can hold onto harmful toxins thanks to our household cleaners, dust, and furniture made with synthetic materials. Opening the windows for a few minutes every day can help to swap out the air within your home.
I hope that you have found value in learning a little about 10 different ways to detox your home and help reduce toxins in your body, and will feel more confident in taking steps towards achieving true wellness!
And don’t forget to pick up my “Top 10 Toxins to Eliminate Guide” for an easy, on-the-go reference of what to eliminate from your personal care products!
Click Here to Download the Guide
If you have found value, please share by clicking on the icons below this article so that I can help your friends and loved ones as well!
Until next time……..
Here’s to achieving true wellness!
P.S – What do you want to know about? Drop me a comment below and let me know what you’d like to learn more about to help you achieve true wellness!
*Legal Disclaimer – All information provided above is for educational purposes only. Information should not be construed as medical or legal advice in any capacity and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.