Decreasing toxins doesn’t mean you have to throw everything away and start over. There are simple ways to live a less toxic lifestyle, and make steps towards healthier products.
Ways to live a less toxic lifestyle
After having my first son, I began to look for simple ways to live a less toxic lifestyle. My oldest was born with a severe allergy to the casein protein in milk products. After his diagnosis I became acutely aware of the harm an allergy can have on the body. I also couldn’t consume milk products due to breastfeeding him. I started to read labels, and was surprised at the amount of unrelated ingredients that are added to every day foods. This is what inspired me to dig deeper into our products and foods.
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Choosing the right food to live a less toxic lifestyle
It’s important to choose the right foods to live a less toxic lifestyle. I know you’ve seen the lawsuits surrounding herbicides and fertilizers. These toxic chemicals are used on commercially grown food to reduce pests and increase production. There is a long list of side effects and diseases exposure to these chemicals can cause. Read this interesting article regarding one lawsuit here. Washing your produce can remove some of the chemicals, but many pre-packaged foods still contain them. I’m not telling you to run out and buy all organic produce, but be particular when buying packaged foods. For me this created an interest in growing food at home on my terms. There is something about eating the food I grew from the dirt that makes me feel accomplished. Also, homegrown crops that are in season carry a lot more nutritional value.
I fully believe that you should choose whole foods over pre-packaged foods whenever possible. Commercially grown produce is still better than over processed foods. Convenience doesn’t equal quality. The preservatives and cheap oils/sweeteners used to make packaged food can wreak havoc on your digestive tract, and cause major hormone imbalances. Also, our FDA frequently approves ingredients that are outlawed in other countries. Buying whole foods and making things from scratch will help in avoiding harmful chemicals.
Choosing the right products to live a less toxic lifestyle
It was an interest in food ingredients that led me to looking at product ingredients. Many of the products we use daily contain ingredients that cause allergies, cancer, organ toxicity, and endocrine disruptors. Anyone who has ever had an adverse reaction to a product can vouch for the effects of some chemicals. One of the biggest culprits for these reactions is “fragrance”. Fragrance is a word companies use to disguise harmful ingredients because it is widely unregulated by the FDA. Eliminating products with fragrance listed as an ingredient is a simple way to reduce toxic load. Visit the Environmental Working group website and see harmful ingredients for yourself here.
Buy fragrance free products if possible, and check the product’s ingredients. Also, eliminate scented candles and plugins, and try using a quality essential oil and a diffuser. Pinterest has lots of great essential oil recipes for popular candle dupes.
Taking care of your body
It’s no secret that a healthy body will fight disease better than and unhealthy one. But what does this really mean? The body usually runs like a well-oiled machine. It communicates with itself via hormones and other methods. Harmful ingredients in the products we use can disrupt these signals. Choosing good food, and cleaner products helps the body to keep running as it should. Another way to keep your body working properly is to move it regularly. This helps to regulate hormones, boosts the immune system, improve circulation, and improve overall mental health. I enjoy running several times a week. On the days I don’t go for a run I walk, ride a bike, or practice yoga. These simple acts also motivate me to take control of my health in other areas of life.
Try getting out and moving everyday. See the effects it has on your mood and energy levels. A short walk after dinner will make more room for glucose to be stored in the muscles, and reduce the amount of stored fat.
Everyday household Items Can be Toxic
Some of the Items we use daily around the house also have toxins. Making easy swaps will help in living a less toxic lifestyle. Nonstick cookware was once made with Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS are no longer used in cookware, but they are still found in other products. This has led to a contamination of the water supply. PFAS can cause a number of conditions from liver failure to infertility. Investing in quality stainless steel cookware will help eliminate some of this. Cast iron is also a good alternative to non-stick options. Some of the plastics in our home contain Bisphenol A, (BPA), which has been linked to endocrine disruption. Using glass storage containers, stainless water bottles, and reusable silicone storage bags can help to eliminate some of the BPA exposure.
Products I Love
Stainless Steel Cookware – All-Clad is by far my favorite stainless steel cookware.
Cast Iron Cookware – I use lodge cast iron. It’s heavy, durable, and great for universal cooking.
Glass Food Storage Containers – These glass storage containers have a lot of different sizes and are great for reheating leftovers.
Living a less toxic lifestyle
Don’t immediately throw out all of your food, products and candles all at once. My intention is not to create fear, but to make others aware of what is potentially lurking in the things we regularly use. I would suggest simply looking at the ingredients in your products and determining for yourself whether or not you’re comfortable using it on yourself or your children. I feel knowledge is power and I hope that I’ve provided a little of that for you!
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