Low-Tox Living
The Importance of Low-Tox Living: Simple Ways to Reduce Everyday Exposure
In today’s world, we are surrounded by chemicals, many of which have been linked to hormonal imbalances, respiratory issues, allergies, and even long-term health concerns such as endocrine disruption and cancer. For this reason, reducing your exposure to chemicals and adopting a "low-tox" lifestyle is an important step towards reducing toxicity, inflammation and improving overall well-being and long-term health. This is particularly important for anyone experiencing chronic illness as we want our body to be able to focus on healing & repair rather than constantly trying to battle and detoxify our environmental toxins.
Taking steps towards low-tox living can feel overwhelming, but try not to be overwhelmed, below are some simple, effective changes that you can make in your food, home, beauty, and cleaning products. If it feels too difficult, you don't have to do it all at once, remember one small change is one small step in the right direction.
Simple Ways to Reduce Toxicity in Your Life
1. Food Choices
Filter Your Water: Tap water can contain chlorine, heavy metals, fluoride, and other contaminants. A high-quality water filter that removes these substances (including fluoride) can help reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Water filters come in a variety of options and price ranges, and although it may feel difficult to outlay the money initially, you are investing in your long-term health.
Go Organic When Possible: I know it’s expensive, but pesticide residues on conventionally grown produce can be incredibly harmful. For example, organophosphate pesticides, commonly used in agriculture, have been linked to developmental issues in children and neurological problems in adults (Rauh et al., 2011); and glyphosate use has been linked to ADHD (Fluegge & Fluegge 2015). If it’s too expensive to go completely organic, then prioritise organic options for high-pesticide foods (like berries, spinach, and apples) and choose local, pesticide-free sources when available. Check out this resource about the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen to help with choosing between organic vs “safer” low-pesticide options. Lots of areas have local co-ops where you can purchase directly from local farmers (a good example here on the Central Coast is Nurtured Earth Organics). When buying protein look for pasture-raised (free-range) eggs, grass-fed meat and wild-caught seafood wherever possible.
Avoid Processed Foods: Packaged foods often contain preservatives, artificial flavours, and additives that can burden your system. Opt for whole, fresh foods whenever possible.
Use Non-Toxic Cookware: Non-stick pans often contain harmful chemicals like PFOA. Choose stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic alternatives for cookware and, while you are at it, ditch the plastic utensils which can leach chemicals when they become heated.
2. Home Environment
Improve Air Quality: Indoor air pollution can be higher than outdoor air. Use air purifiers, open windows regularly, and add houseplants to filter toxins naturally.
Choose Natural Fabrics and Furniture: Avoid flame retardants and synthetic materials that off-gas chemicals. Opt for organic cotton, wool, or untreated wood furniture.
Ditch Plastic: Plastics, especially those containing BPA and phthalates, can leach harmful chemicals. Store food in glass or stainless steel containers instead.
3. Beauty and Personal Care
Read Ingredient Labels: Avoid products with parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates. Look for natural, organic alternatives with simple ingredient lists. There are many apps that can assist you with this (we use Yuka).
Use Natural Deodorants and Skincare: Many mainstream products contain aluminum, artificial preservatives, and irritants. Switch to organic, toxin-free alternatives. This doesn't have to be expensive, Moo Goo have an affordable range of skin care and Nude By Nature make up is affordable and (most of it) is quite toxin-free. Use the Yuka app to scan all these products before buying.
4. Cleaning Products
Swap Conventional Cleaners for Natural Alternatives: Many cleaning products contain ammonia, bleach, and artificial fragrances that can irritate the respiratory system. You can use vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils for effective, non-toxic cleaning, but if this sounds too hard, look for the earth-friendly, eco and low-tox alternatives on the supermarket shelves.
Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Products: Conventional detergents often contain synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals. Choose plant-based, fragrance-free options.
Final Thoughts
Remember, reducing toxic exposure doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by making small, gradual swaps in your daily routine, focusing on the areas that matter most to you. Over time, these changes will contribute to better health, a safer home, and a more sustainable lifestyle.
References:
Rauh V, Arunajadai S, Horton M, Perera F, Hoepner L, Barr DB, Whyatt R. Seven-year neurodevelopmental scores and prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos, a common agricultural pesticide. Environ Health Perspect. 2011 Aug;119(8):1196-201. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1003160. Epub 2011 Apr 21. PMID: 21507777; PMCID: PMC3237355.
Fluegge KR, Fluegge KR. Glyphosate Use Predicts ADHD Hospital Discharges in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Net (HCUPnet): A Two-Way Fixed-Effects Analysis. PLoS One. 2015 Aug 19;10(8):e0133525. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133525. Retraction in: PLoS One. 2015 Aug 21;10(8):e0137489. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137489. PMID: 26287729; PMCID: PMC4543553.