The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Products: Understanding Body Burden

 

You may be asking yourself, why should is consider living a life with less toxins. Does it really matter that much? I mean, this is America, and surely our products won't actually hurt us. 

Well, let's dig just a little deeper.

In today's society, we are constantly exposed to products that promise convenience, cleanliness, and beauty. However, what we may fail to realize is that some of these products contain harmful chemicals that can accumulate in our bodies over time. This accumulation leads to a condition known as "body burden." Let's talk about body burden, explore its potential dangers, and discuss the symptoms to watch for.

Body burden refers to the accumulation of toxic substances in our bodies over a prolonged period. These toxins come from things such as personal care products, cleaning products, food additives, air pollution, and more. While our bodies can naturally detox itself, it can become overwhelmed when exposed to too many toxins.

Many everyday products, including cosmetics, household cleaners, and plastics, contain potentially harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), lead, and formaldehyde. Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to adverse health effects.

Toxic products can enter our bodies through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, and once inside, they can disrupt our hormonal balance, damage organs, and even increase the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, reproductive disorders, and neurological problems.

Symptoms of Body Burden:

Identifying the symptoms of body burden can be challenging, as they can vary depending on the person and the type of toxins involved. However, here are some common signs to watch out for:

1. Fatigue: Feeling tired or sluggish, even after adequate rest, may be a result of accumulated toxins affecting energy production and overall vitality.

   
   

2. Skin Issues: Unexplained rashes, dryness, acne breakouts, or increased sensitivity could be indicative of toxins irritating the skin or compromising its natural protective barrier.

   
   

3. Respiratory Problems: Frequent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing might be associated with inhaling toxins present in polluted air or household products filled with chemicals.

   
   

4. Digestive Issues: Persistent bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion could be related to the presence of toxins in food or contaminated water sources, including most plastic water bottles.

   
   

5. Hormonal Imbalances: Irregular menstrual cycles, fertility problems, or symptoms of estrogen dominance may be attributed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in certain products.

   
   

6. Cognitive Difficulties: Poor concentration, brain fog, memory problems, or mood swings may result from neurotoxic substances accumulating in the body.

   
   

   
   

How do we minimize body burden?

Reducing body burden requires adopting a mindful and proactive approach towards product selection and lifestyle choices. 

Here are some tips to minimize exposure to toxins:

1. Be a Label Detective: Read product labels and choose those with fewer harmful chemicals. Look for certifications like organic, natural, or non-toxic.

   
   

2. Choose Natural Alternatives: Embrace natural personal care products, cleaning agents, and pesticides, which are often free of harmful chemicals.

   
   

3. Eat Organic: Select organic fruits, vegetables, and grains to minimize exposure to pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

   
   

4. Filter Your Water: Invest in a quality water filter to remove contaminants like lead, chlorine, and heavy metals. Avoid drinking water from a plastic water bottle.

   
   

5. Improve Indoor Air Quality: Open windows regularly, use air purifiers, and avoid using products that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

   
   

6. Detox Your Body: Support your body's natural detoxification processes by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, exercising, eat a lot of green leafy veggies.

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   What do you think? Would you now consider rethinking some of the products you are bringing into your home? Would you consider buying safer, non-toxic products?

Definitely something to think about!

See you again soon!

Kristian

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap Makes Low-Tox Living Easy

 

Have you ever wished life came with an easy button? I know I have done this plenty of times. Unfortunately there is no such thing, but this just might be pretty close.

If you are interested in living a life with less harmful toxins, and have your home be safer from hormone disrupting and cancer causing products, I'm here to let you know that Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile soap has got your back. Dr. Bronner's castile soaps are almost like finding a secret easy button.

Like I mentioned last week, I have spent HOURS researching and trying to find low-tox products to replace products that I use everyday only to grow more and more frustrated and confused. It is not an easy task. But, there is hope!

For anyone (like me) who is tired of endless searching and not finding real conclusive answers, I've got your easy button. Buy yourself some Dr. Bronner's and start using it for everything! Yes, everything!

Easy, peasy, low-tox living. Hallelujah! And did I mention that you can buy it almost anywhere?! I even found it in my local Walmart here in the heart of little ol' Alabama.

** This blog post is not sponsored by Dr. Bronner's. Unfortunately, ha! If only the company knew I was alive and totally a fan. :)

Take a look at just a few ways I plan to try Dr. Bronner's pure castile soap.

Diluted Dr. Bronner's pure castile soap can be used for just about every household chore on your list as well. Dishes, laundry, tubs, toilets, countertops, floors, makeup brushes, fruit and veggie rinse, and more. 

Find dilution recipes for all of Dr. Bronner's uses HERE:

Thank goodness there is a company and a product that is non-toxic AND will make life so much simpler. Simple is exactly what this mama needs in her life!

Just for fun, here are some Dr. Bronner's products that are on my wish list.

for face wash:

PURE-CASTILE LIQUID SOAP

Baby Unscented

for laundry:

PURE-CASTILE LIQUID SOAP

Lavender

PURE-CASTILE LIQUID SOAP

Citrus

and for body:

ORGANIC LOTION

Patchouli Lime

ORGANIC LOTION

Lavender Coconut

Don't those scents sound absolutely amazing? And to be able to use them and enjoy them knowing they are not causing harmful effects is such a good feeling.

Have you ever used any of these products? Did you realize how many uses there are for one little bottle of castile soap?

Thanks for stopping by today and I'll see you again soon.

Kristian

Too Good To Not Believe - Help For Anxiety Today

 

Hello again friends!

This morning's devotional on the YouVersion Bible app was just so good this morning 

that I had to share it will all of you too.

The devotion is based off of Proverbs 12:25 and is so very relevant for life today.

Take a look:

I hope this devotional was helpful for you and that you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Be like the hummingbird today and I'll see you again soon!

Kristian

DIY (Non-Toxic) LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT RECIPE

 

Hey everyone! I told you all in my last blog post that I would try to have some low-tox, safe, product recommendations for you. Ohhhh, little did I know just how difficult and confusing that task would be!

I have spent H O U R S researching and looking for products that are safe and free from nasty toxins, but honestly I am more confused that ever.

I had a very simple objective. 

I wanted to find 3 things. 

I wanted a non-toxic face cleanser, a non-toxic face moisturizer, and a non-toxic tinted sunscreen. To me that seemed like a realistic goal. Well let me just fill you in oh how that search went.

I would find a product that seemed like a great choice and either it would cost way more that I wanted to spend, OR, three people would sing its praises and say it was non-toxic, affordable, miracle working, etc. while three other sources would scoff loudly at this product saying it should never, ever be used.

This yes/no, good/bad commentary went on for hours and I still don't have any idea what I should be washing my face with. The companies that are known for being non-toxic, clean, safe, etc. misrepresent themselves about 1/2 the time. Half of their products will be "approved" while the other half are no better that an item you could randomly pick up at the drugstore.

Y'all, my head hurts!

So, I'm going to give my brain a little break and dive back down that deep rabbit hole another day. In the meantime, I did find a recipe for a DIY non-toxic laundry detergent that I want to try.

This homemade laundry detergent is non-toxic, and said to be cost-efficient and tough on dirt. 

 Let's look at the recipe:

Ingredients:  

1 cup of baking soda; 

1/3 cup of sea salt 

2 1/2 cups of warm water 

1 cup of liquid castile soap 

Water (as needed to fill a gallon jug) 

Instructions: 

Add the baking soda, sea salt, and the warm water to a gallon jug. 

Shake the jug until the salt and baking soda dissolve. 

Add the castile soap and fill the gallon jug with water. 

Move the jug gently to mix. 

HOW TO USE YOUR HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT 

For a traditional washing machine, use 1/2 cup or a full cup of laundry detergent, depending on the size of the load. 

For high-efficiency washing machines, use only ¼ per regular load and ½ cup for a larger load.

I'm going to give this homemade detergent a try, and I'll report back next week to let you know my thoughts.

What about you? Have you ever made your own laundry detergent? Do you think you ever would?

Have a wonderful day!

Kristian

A (Beginner) Guide To Identifying Harmful Ingredients in Skincare

 

Taking care of our skin is essential, but it's equally important to be aware of the ingredients present in skincare products. Some ingredients can be potentially harmful and may even disrupt our hormones, have reproductive toxicity, irritate our skin, or trigger allergic reactions. 

*** Remember, I am a complete beginner in learning about non-toxic products. I am just dipping my toe into a vast ocean of information. There is SO MUCH information (and misinformation) out there, so please research for yourself too, and please don't come at me with mean comments if I share information that you have found to be untrue. I am trying to learn and trying to make safer choices for my family.

Okay, with all that being said, let's explore some of the common toxic ingredients found in skincare products and learn how they can affect our health and well-being. By understanding these ingredients, you can make more informed choices about the products you use on your skin.

Parabens: 

Parabens, such as methylparaben and propylparaben, are widely used as preservatives in skincare products. However, they have been associated with hormone disruption and potential reproductive toxicity. Look for products labeled as "paraben-free."  Parabens mimic estrogen and may disrupt the endocrine system and be a factor in reproductive and developmental disorders. You can identify parabens by the suffix “-paraben” on the label.

Phthalates: 

Phthalates are often present in fragrances but can also be found in other cosmetic ingredients. These chemicals, including diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with our hormone balance and contribute to developmental and reproductive issues. They may also be linked to causing birth defects. Look for "phthalate-free" alternatives.

Formaldehyde:

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used to prevent bacterial growth in skincare products. However, they can cause skin irritation and have been classified as possible carcinogens. Ingredients like diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 may release formaldehyde. Consider opting for products that use alternative preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES):

SLS and SLES are common surfactants used in cleansers and body washes to create lather. While these ingredients may not be directly hormone-disrupting, these ingredients can be harsh and irritating to the skin, stripping away its natural oils. Look for gentler alternatives like coco-glucoside or sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. SLS may contribute to canker cores, irritated skin, eye irritation, and acne.

Synthetic Fragrances:

Artificial fragrances can contain numerous undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates. These fragrances are often responsible for triggering allergies and skin sensitivities. Opt for products labeled as "fragrance-free" or "unscented" to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Alternatively, choose products scented with natural essential oils.

Triclosan:

Triclosan, commonly found in antibacterial soaps and cleansers, has been associated with hormone disruption and potential antibiotic resistance. Avoid products containing triclosan and instead prioritize proper handwashing with regular soap and water.

Oxybenzone and Octinoxate:

Oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemical sunscreen ingredients that have been linked to hormone disruption. Additionally, these ingredients can have negative environmental impacts, especially concerning coral reef ecosystems. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.

I know there are probably many more ingredients that can be harmful in our skin care, but this gives us a good starting point. If you are a beginner like me, too much information at one time can be wayyyy overwhelming and can cause you to throw in the towel and just keep using the products that are the easiest to find.

Remember, taking care of your skin involves more than just skincare routines—it also means being conscious of the ingredients in products. By avoiding ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, you can make healthier choices for your skin and overall well-being. Look for brands that prioritize clean, natural, or organic formulations and of course, always read ingredient labels to ensure the products you use are safer choices. Don't even get me started on the ways products try to trick us into thinking their products are safe, when they are not.

In my next post, I will try to share actual products that are considered safe and non-toxic. If you are like me, having a picture of the safe product helps tremendously when shopping. Who has the patience or the time to study ingredient labels on every product you buy.

Thanks for reading today and for joining me on this journey to a healthier, lower-tow life!

Kristian

How To Start Your Low-Tox Life Without Losing Your Mind

 

Welcome to the blog and welcome to the first blog post! Today we are talking about toxins and how to begin implementing low-tox, safer items into your home.

Are you interested in starting a cleaner, more natural life, free from harmful toxins? You may have learned a little about the dangers of toxic chemicals and are fearful of the effects on your health and the health of your family.  You know you are ready to make a change, but you may find yourself asking, "Where do I even start?"

I completely understand where you're coming from and by no means will I pretend to have all the answers. My family and I have started and stopped this journey before because the scary information about everyday living is just so darn overwhelming. The harmful toxins are in our cleaning products, our health and beauty products, our foods, medicines, clothing, and so much more. If you are like us, you may have started this journey too only to realize, it is not an easy, stress-free or inexpensive undertaking. 

So, here we are again today, trying (once again) to clean up our lives and start living healthier, lower-tox lives. Let's start small, and celebrate every small change we make together!

We will remember that lowering the burden of harmful chemicals on our body is a journey. It's a marathon, and we won't try to make it a sprint. Every safer swap we make is important.

Here is our game plan.

Step 1:  Replace as you run out.

This method works well because it doesn't feel so wasteful. You spent your hard earned money on these products so give yourself grace as you use up what you have and then replace the item with a cleaner, safer one. 

Step 2:  Detox daily use items first.

If you are feeling supercharged and ultra-motivated to begin your journey now, you may want to consider starting with the items that you use every day. For some this may mean starting with skin care and makeup items. For others, you may want to begin with deodorant, soaps, body wash, shampoo, or conditioner. Wherever you feel the most concerned, that is the place to start.

Step 3:  Remove chemicals from the wash.

For our family, I feel like laundry detergent may be our starting point. I thought I was doing well using Free & Clear detergents and fragrance free dryer sheets, but unfortunately after learning more, I now know that isn't the case. This concerns me because what I wash my clothes and sheets in is something that touches our body 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. I am looking at make the switch to brands like Attitude, Truly Free, or Molly's Suds. 

What do you think? Are you ready to begin the journey to low-tox living? Where will you start?

Thanks for visiting today!

Kristian