Detox Your Home
Unfortunately, we live in an increasingly toxic world. Our air, oceans and soil are bombarded by a toxic chemical soup and mother earth is a reflection of all of us. If she’s toxic, we’re toxic.
Why is it important to assess our toxin load?
In my practice, I primarily work with clients who menstruate, I can see just how much the environment plays a role in our reproductive wellness. For those of us who menstruate, because of our particular hormonal makeup, our bodies literally take in and accumulate toxins. With that being said, we can do two things.
Decrease our exposure to toxic chemicals and xenoestrogens
Help our bodies to naturally detox daily, monthly & seasonally
Take a moment to look around your home. How many toxic chemicals do you use on a daily basis? Maybe you use a strong cleaner for your kitchen or in the bathroom? Do you store food inside plastic containers? Do you use scented candles to freshen your home? You may not realize it, but these everyday items in your home may be causing you more harm than good.
Knowing this, it's important to be gentle to oneself as you slowly work to examine and unpack the possible toxins lurking in your home. A lot of the homecare products we use daily unknowingly carry toxins that are unhealthy for us and are easily absorbed by our bodies, disrupting the delicate balance of our personal ecosystems. Removing toxins from the home helps us to move a step closer to optimal health.
Let's start with some of the places you may be absorbing toxins in your home. I’ll also mention safe & natural alternatives.
Kitchen
Plastic is a toxic disaster! It’s everywhere. It swarms our oceans and beaches, fills our landfills and it takes up to 1,000 years to decompose. This is something that you most likely have a lot of in your home; we all do. It’s probably not realistic to replace ALL of the plastic, but we can start somewhere.
Take a look around your kitchen. How much plastic do you use? Do you store food or heat up your meals in plastic?
Not only can chemicals leech out from plastic containers into your food, but synthetic forms of estrogen, called xenoestrogens from plastics can be absorbed by your body. These xenoestrogens mimic your own body’s natural estrogen and can cause major hormone disruption.
Simple Switch: Use glass or stainless steel to store food when possible. Don’t place warm food in plastic containers or microwave anything in plastic or styrofoam. Plastic wrap can be replaced with reusable wraps such as bee’s wrap. Bring your own glass containers or cloth bags to buy in bulk at your local grocery stores. Food can absorb chemicals from plastic packaging and containers.
Other Considerations:
Drink out of stainless steel or glass water bottles
Limit your canned food intake since most metal cans have a BPA (xenoestrogen) lining
Replace your teflon coated cookware with cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic coated, or carbon steel cookware
Cleaning
Cleaning Products such as dish soap, hand wash, and multipurpose cleaners should be replaced with products that contain less toxic chemicals. Look for products labeled environmentally safe. Or, better yet make your own multipurpose cleaner with lemon juice and diluted vinegar.
Multipurpose Cleaner
-Fill a mason jar with lemon peels/used lemons
-Pour white vinegar over the lemons and fill until the vinegar fully covers the lemons
-Close lid and let sit in a cool dry place for two weeks
-Strain vinegar and dilute equally with water
-Fill spray bottle with mixture and get cleaning
Bathroom
Hygiene products such as deodorant, shower wash, soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and hair products should all be examined for toxins such as Parabens, Phthalates, or any synthetic fragrances. Use products with certified organic ingredients if possible.
Your Yoni is sacred and vulnerable. What products are you using to care for your sacred jade gate? Learn more about your Holistic Vaginal Health in our blog post.
Switch to chlorine-free, certified organic, unbleached feminine hygiene products. Use cotton, as opposed to non-organic cotton or rayon, to avoid pesticides and synthetic fibers. Have you heard of menstrual cups or menstrual rings? What about using organic or reusable cloth pads instead of tampons so your vaginal mucosa isn't absorbing unnecessary chemicals or drying out?
Simple switch: Use a natural deodorant instead of an antiperspirant. What are your favorite natural deodorant products?
It may be a bit overwhelming when you realize how many toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis. The important thing is to ease yourself into this non-toxic switch. Start with one simple switch, if that feels good try another. Here’s to your health and the health of our planet.
Deep bows & blessings,
Kris