Last week I wrote about 5 ways to help your body detoxify; check it out HERE
Today, I’m moving on to important ways to detox our home environment, which honestly, is almost just as important!
Your home should be a safe, healthy and happy space—but many everyday items are quietly disrupting this enviroment, and messing with your hormones. From plastics in the kitchen to mold in the bathroom, these environmental toxins add up fast, and wreak havoc on your health!
The good news? With just a few intentional swaps, you can dramatically reduce your exposure to these toxins and support hormonal balance (and a healthier body overall).
FIVE TIPS TO “DETOX” YOUR HOME & SUPPORT YOUR HEALTH
1) Replace cookware to minimize plastics and toxic chemicals in non-stick pans.
Replace any teflon pots or pans with good quality: stainless steel (I LOVE Made in cookware, its worth the investmetn, or AllClad or LeCreuset), cast-iron pans (Lodge - for basic preseasoned pans, or for nicer more nonstick I love LeCreuset - my go to, or Staub) and for nonstick go for high-quality ceramic (such as Caraway or LeCreuset),
Replace plastic food containers and tupperwares with: glass, ceramic, stainless steel (love these for my kids’ food) and silicone (these collapsable silicone ones are great for travel!)
Replace plastic cutting boards with wood boards (and even glass or titanium)
2) Remove toxins in your WATER.
Invest in a good quality water filter! Reverse-osmosis is what I most recommend (its what filters the most, the only drawback is it tends to waste more water than other systems). I’m using AquaTru over the counter (as I’m renting!) but when I move into my own home I’ll switch to under-the-counter system like APECs.
If you can, also invest in a whole house water filter, as ideally you want to use filtered water for everything, including your cooking (to minimize your exposure to harsh metals found in tap water), washing your face/teeth, and of course, you body.
Also, switch to fluoride-free toothpaste to minimize your consumption of flouride.
3) Improve your AIR quality.
Ventilate regularly; open windows (especially in your bathrooms, and in the kitchen after cooking)
Add air-purifying indoor houseplants (that can reduce indoor pollution by up to 30%)
Consider adding humidifiers with HEPA air filters, especially for your bedroom and closet
Keep house as clean as possible; broom and/or vacume daily if possible (delegate here; get your family involved)
Leave your shoes at the entrance of the house
Periodically check for signs of mold/mildew - especially in the bathrooms and kitchen. You can help avoid (and even eliminate) mold by ventilating properly and cleaning with natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar and essential oils.
Avoid using synthetic air fresheners, scented candles and incense. There are good natural alternatives using nontoxic essential oils - from either coconut wax, soy or beeswax.
4) Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals by switching to more natural, NON-TOXIC CLEANERS.
You can easily make your own multipurpose cleaner using vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and other natural cleaners. My GO-TO DIY multipurpose cleaner for my floors and surfaces (and even my gym equipment) is:
1 part vinegar / 2 parts water (I fill with 1/3 vinegar, 2/3 water)
7-10 drops of essential oil (I like this one!)
When buying cleaning products (as well as your personal care products), choose fragrance free and look for non-toxic brands such as Blueland, Dr. Bronner's, Branch Basics, Puracy, ATTITUDE, and Seventh Generation.
This applies for bathroom and kitchen cleaners, floor cleaner, hand soap, laundry detergent, dish detergent… everything!
Reduce exposure to lead paint. If you live in an older home, investigate if you have lead containing paint and take necessary precautions. And for any new paint jobs, make sure you’re using a nontoxic paint that’s lead-free.
Avoid artifical fragrances in your home (air freshners, candles, etc). Opt for nontoxic candles made with 100% natural wax like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax, lead-free wicks and natural fragrance like essential oils.
You can also find more natural air-freshners without harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
And again, be mindful of plastics in your home!
5) Simplify, Declutter, and go “clean” and “organic” as much as possible. This is definitely the hardest one so I leave for last.
Opt for natural materials for furnishings and decor whenever possible. Look for Greenguard Certified and otehr similar certifications.
Choose organic mattresses and pillows, even sheets and towels. What we use daily can make a big difference (negative or positive!). If you’re not ready to make the investment of a new mattress for yourself (a queen/king size organic mattress is an investment!), start with your baby and little ones, that are most susceptible to toxins.
For organic mattresses, I recommend Naturopedic (its what both of my kids have) and Avocado
For organic sheets and towels, I personally love Couyuchi (though there are tons of organic brands nowadays!)
Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter, and regularly clean floors and surfaces to remove dust and allergens.
You can also reduce dust and allergens by minimizing clutter - so consider doing a regular “detox” of your belongings. At least twice a year, try to do a “seasonal cleaning” and each time get rid of papers / gadgets / toys / clothes / decorations etc that you no longer love/need.
I recently did a “closeet detox” to help me remove almost 1/3 of my closet which was no longer serving me, and I feel so much lighter, better, even more confident with my current closet!
Last but not least, aim to reduce electromagnetic exposure as much as possible.
Avoid standing in front of the microwave when its on.
Have moments of your day where you keep some distance from your cellphone/tablets.
And if it’s an option for you, turn off your wifi at night.
One great way to start this process of detoxing your body and your environment is by signing up for my 10 day detox, where I touch up on all of these topics! If you want more personalized support, send me a message HERE and/or reply to this blog.