Five Ways to Clean Up the Toxins Mess in Your Life

We as consumers are bombarded with an overwhelming array of products promising to make our lives easier, cleaner, and healthier. However, hidden within many of these seemingly harmless items lie toxins and chemicals that can pose serious health risks. From cleaning products to personal care items and even food packaging, it’s essential for us to become aware of the potential hazards and make informed choices to protect our well-being. And yes, toxins make you sick!

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of cleaning up the toxin mess and offer a comprehensive guide to making safer consumer choices.

The Unseen Dangers: Toxins that make you sick.

Toxins are substances that can be harmful or poisonous to the human body. They can be found in various products and materials we encounter daily. Some common toxins include phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, lead, and various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The effects of these toxins can range from skin irritation and allergies to more severe health issues, such as respiratory problems, hormone disruption, and even cancer! So, to make the long story short- yes, our health is at risk because these hidden toxins make us sick!

One- Reading Labels: The First Step to Safer Choices

Being a savvy consumer begins with reading and understanding product labels. Pay close attention to ingredient lists on cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and personal care products. If a label is vague or lacks information about ingredients, it’s better to avoid the product altogether. Look for certifications from reputable organizations, such as eco-labels or third-party testing, which can indicate a product’s safety and environmental impact.

Two- Choosing Safer Cleaning Products

Many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are not only harmful to us but also damage the environment. Natural, plant-based, or biodegradable products are safer alternatives. Consider vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils like tea tree and lavender for your common household cleaners. Start off by making your own cleaning solutions to have better control over what goes into them as nothing beats homemade ingredients!

Three- Green Beauty: Navigating Personal Care Products

The beauty and personal care industry can be a minefield of toxins. To make safer choices, opt for skincare and makeup products with transparent ingredient lists, free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. These ingredients that you need to look out for can damage your nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Women should also be vigilant with menstrual products that are contaminated with PFAS, also known as ‘’forever chemicals’’. Exposure to high concentrations of these can increase the risk of high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, and risk of kidney cancer! Natural and organic products, although not regulated terms, can provide a starting point for finding safer options. Additionally, you can also look for recommendations from organizations like EWG to guide your choices.

Four- Mindful Food Packaging

Toxins can also leach into our food from certain packaging materials. Plastics labeled with recycling codes #3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) and #7 (other) often contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA (bisphenol A). These toxins can make you sick which leads to a range of health problems including infertility or developmental disorders, organ damage/inflammation, and even cancer! Opt for glass or stainless-steel containers when storing food and beverages. When purchasing canned goods, choose products with BPA-free linings whenever possible.

Five- Purify Your Indoor Air

To improve the air quality in your home, consider using air-purifying plants, regularly ventilate your living spaces, and invest in high-quality air purifiers. Be cautious about air fresheners, fragrances, and candles, as these may contain harmful chemicals like VOCs and phthalates! Prolonged exposure to these toxins can lead to indoor air pollution and may have adverse effects on the respiratory and nervous systems, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Supporting Eco-Friendly Brands

Support brands committed to sustainability, transparency, and the use of non-toxic ingredients. Share your knowledge with friends and family and encourage them to adopt safer consumer choices as well. When more people demand toxin-free products, manufacturers are more likely to respond to the market’s demand, leading to a safer and healthier marketplace for everyone. 

Where to begin with detoxification?

Did you know that Dr. Trubow has spent her life figuring out how to eliminate nasty toxins from the body and rediscover the vitality she felt in her twenties? In fact, she wrote a book on toxins and health. It’s called Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great and Feel FREAKING AMAZING! In this book, she teaches you how to unburden your body from a wide ray of toxins!

If you’re in the Boston area and are concerned about the hidden toxins, then you should absolutely visit Five Journeys for a consultation. Our comprehensive labs and attentive doctors will be sure to uncover what’s going on with your health. Health doesn’t have to be complicated. Functional medicine can give you the answers you need.

You can also check our other blogs about your guide for healthy transitions!

Everyday Swaps for a Healthier Kitchen! | Five Journeys

The Ingredients in “Skincare”, That Don’t Actually Care! | Five Journeys

PFAS: The Silent Threat Lurking in Our Daily Lives | Five Journeys