Ohhh yeah…this is a good one! Who else feels like their brain fog clears up a bit when they organize their pantry or throw away all the expired food from the refrigerator? 🙋🏼♀️ Just like we clear the “junk” out of our households, we need to clear the chemicals out of our bodies (or never put them there in the first place).
Symptoms of toxic load:
The symptoms of a high toxic load are very similar to the symptoms of chronic fatigue and can be a major contributing factor:
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Rashes or other skin issues
- A metallic taste in your mouth
According to an article by HuffPost, the average woman puts 515 synthetic chemicals on her body every day. When our bodies have a buildup of toxins it can trigger inflammation, which can be a main source of muscle pain and fatigue. Reducing the amount of these chemicals in our products is a good (and fairly easy) first step – and I am ALL ABOUT EASY!
What’s the deal with sulfates and parabens?
A sulfate is, by definition, a salt or ester of sulfuric acid. The most common sulfates found in shampoo are sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate. These sulfates can strip your hair of natural oils and moisture, which is why natural products are better for your hair/scalp!
Parabens are an ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) and are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical products. According to EWG.org, scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the risk of cancer. They can also cause skin irritation.
You can go chemical-free gradually
It took me several months to replace all my cleaning and beauty products with chemical-free alternatives, but it was sooo worth it. I tried SEVERAL different products until I finally got to a space where I feel like I have my favorite brands and products and I am going to share that research with you!
You can search for any of your products on EWG.ORG to see the environmental impact score. You can also scan items with the app Think Dirty, available in the Apple Store.
Here are my everyday products:
CLEANING:
Mrs. Meyers– dish soap, toilet cleaner, multi-surface
Why I love them: Mrs. Meyers is tried and true, you can find it just about anywhere, and it works! Their products are made with plant-derived ingredients, essential oils, and other thoughtfully formulated ingredients
Blueland– bathroom, multi-surface, and glass/mirror
Why I love them: They are mom-owned and on a mission to reduce the waste of plastic bottles. Their ingredients are gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free and they only use ingredients contained on the EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List.
Norwex– microfiber cloths for windows, multi-surface & dusting
Why I love them: They may be a bit expensive, but their products last a LONG time and are machine washable. They are also on a mission to reduce the chemicals used in households. You may have to purchase their items from a Norwex representative, but some of their cloths are on Amazon as well.
Seventh Generation– laundry & dishwashing detergent
Why I love them: They are thinking globally and are creating product solutions that help address global issues such as air pollution, water health, plastic waste, and consumer trust. They disclose ALL of the ingredients that go into their products, and they are easy to find.
PERSONAL CARE :
Everyone for every body– hand soap, body soap, and bubble bath
Why I love them: They are family-owned, reasonably priced, and are also available on Amazon. Their products are plant-based and are made using safe, natural, organic, and sustainably farmed ingredients. I also love their travel sizes.
Lume deodorant– deodorant for underarms and entire body
Why I love them: I was VERY skeptical of this when I first tried it because I’ve tried so many aluminum-free deodorants that didn’t last more than 5 minutes and were expensive. This product was created by a gynecologist and really works (although it does not last 72 hours for me like it claims)
The Honest Company – shampoo and conditioner
Why I love them: they are a mom-run business (Jessica Alba) and they focus on using clean ingredients, list ALL of their ingredients on their labels, focus on using compostable packaging, follow Good Manufacturing practices, and GIVE BACK to their communities! Their products are made for both mommy AND baby 👩🍼
L.– Organic tampons and pads
Why I love them: their tampons are made with organic cotton – free from chlorine bleaching, pesticides, fragrances, and dyes and with a BPA-free plastic applicator, and their pads and liners are made with a cotton top layer free from chlorine, pesticides, and fragrances
COSMETICS:
Zuzu Luxe Cosmetics – mineral powder, oil-free liquid foundation & lip gloss
Why I love them: All products are made from 100% natural ingredients with no synthetic chemicals or animal by-products. They are easily accessible on Amazon or at Whole Foods and I love the quality of the powder.
EcoTools – makeup brushes
Why I love them: They are vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free, and their products are made with recycled and renewable materials.
Mineral Fusion – blush, eye shadow, & nail polish (I am not a fan of their lip gloss – to me it tastes bad.)
Why I love them: Their makeup is made from natural minerals and ingredients that are gentle and safe for the skin. Their products are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. Their products are available on Amazon and are very affordable.
Thrive Causemetics – Liquid Lash™ Extensions Mascara
Why I love them: For every product you purchase, Thrive donates to help communities thrive. Their products are vegan, 100% cruelty-free, and free of parabens or sulfates. They are a bit pricey, but I love this mascara because it is for sensitive eyes and the tubes wash right off with warm water!
FOR KIDDOS:
Burt’s Bees – diaper rash cream
Why I love them: They are in my backyard in Durham, NC and all their products are over 95% natural origin, without phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or sodium lauryl sulfate.
Seventh Generation – diapers and baby wipes
Why I love them: They are thinking global and are creating product solutions that help address global issues such as air pollution, water health, plastic waste, and consumer trust. They disclose ALL of the ingredients that go into their products, and they are easy to find.
SheaMoisture Kids – kids’ curling butter and detangler
Why I love them: This company was started by Sofi Tucker, a mommy of four, who sold Shea Butter, African Black Soap, and homemade beauty preparations in Sierra Leone in 1912. They use all organic ingredients that are ethically sourced from local women-led cooperatives in West Africa
I realize it can be financially challenging to upgrade to all new products and sometimes all-natural, chemical-free products can be more expensive because of their ingredients and also because a lot of them are family-owned businesses. One clever way to upgrade without breaking the bank is to create an Amazon Wishlist and send it to your family and friends. What better gift can they give you than the gift of health? 🍏
Visit My Favs page to see a full list of my recommendations
Together in healing 💜
