Blog Six: Toxic Chemicals and My Journey on Going Nontoxic
For most of my life, I have always made comments like, “I don’t feel great.” I had constant fatigue, couldn’t lose weight, suffered from eczema and impetigo, and had a general sense of “being off”. I finally read a book called, The Microbiome Solution, which brought light into my life about the type of chemicals I was being exposed to daily. I educated myself on this and learned from different physicians, researchers, and authors about what a nontoxic life looks like and can feel like.
Turns out, everything is toxic, our world is surrounded by toxicity. By toxic, I mean the chemicals used in cleaning products, cosmetics, food containers, food, cooking utensils, etc. The most common products used are pesticides, lead, mercury, FD&C color and pigments, proylene glycol, parabens, DEA, DMDM Hyantoin and Urea. Chemicals like this are found in things like candles, perfumes, sunscreens, dryer sheets, dish washer pods, water, cleaning products, shampoos, mouth wash. Products we use every day. Each of these chemicals leave a thin layer of their product on an object. For example, using dish washer pods, each pod leaves tiny amounts of chemicals on your silverware and dishes. You are consuming these toxic chemicals!!! This also works for lotion or perfume, your skin absorbs these products!! These chemicals are “toxic” because they disrupt natural occurring pathways in the human body.
Chemicals, like the ones listed above, cause hormone disruption leading to infertility in men and irregular periods in women. They can cause weight gain, throwing off your metabolic pathways. They cause autoimmune issues, skin diseases, cancers, etc. They destroy gut health. Pesticides and heavy metals have even been shown to increase the likelihood of mental health disorders. There are chemicals in ultra processed foods, alcohol, and so much more. Look in your fridge, how many things are wrapped or packaged in plastic? What type of shampoo and hand wash do you use? What cleaning products do you have? What types of pans and tupperware do you own?
Common toxic products:
Antibacterial Cleaners
Drano
Mildew Removers
Glade Airfresheners
Mr. Clean Products
Tide Pods or detergent
Antifreeze
Plastic Food Containers
Nonstick Pans
Pesticides
Bleach
Lotions
Perfumes
I started my nontoxic journey by ordering a cleaning kit from Blueland. I literally dumped all my old cleaning products and started fresh with these. I started using metal silverware and pans, and glass containers for food. I am narrowing down products in plastic containers, like ketchup, mustard, mouth wash, etc. I don’t use dryer sheets, I use cotton balls with essential oils. I started using bar soap with products I can pronounce. I use beef tallow for moisturizer. I used organic cotton face wipes and tampons. I don’t wear make up unless I have to. I am still learning what this means and what I can do to continue with a nontoxic life, as this can be challenging and daunting at times. But I promise you, it’s so worth it!
If you have skin irritations and sensitivities, hair loss, fatigue, digestive problems, migraines, dizziness, common colds (more often than not), a general sense of feeling “off”, YOU ARE NOT ALONE OR CRAZY!!! Do your research, educate yourself, and learn more about what you consume, inhale, and are exposed to daily! You can make a change, as small as it may seem.
Xoxo, Hads
Sources:
https://www.ewg.org/the-toxic-twelve-chemicals-and-contaminants-in-cosmetics
https://www.ewg.org/areas-focus/toxic-chemicals - PLEASE look at this! Stay informed!
The Microbiome Solution by Robynne Chutkan
“How to Remove Toxins from our Foods, Products, and Bodies” Podcast by Dr. Mark Hyman
https://www.blueland.com/ - Products I use
