Spring Cleaning 2.0

If you’re thinking about doing some spring cleaning in the next few weeks, have you considered removing more than just the cobwebs and dust bunnies? What about cleaning up our everyday products? It’s the perfect time to start flipping over labels and learn about what we’re spraying into the air, mopping the floors with, washing our clothing in and exposing ourselves to multiple times a day.

It would be crazy to assume we could ever live a completely toxin-free lifestyle. It’s impossible in today’s modern society: we’re plagued with environmental pollutants, pesticides on our food and emissions in our neighbourhoods. But that’s why it makes the most sense to control what we bring into the home and use daily. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is lessening the toxic burden so our bodies can function optimally.

THE TOXINS IN OUR HOMES

Chemicals in everyday products we use that can break down the immune system, affect hormonal health, contribute to autoimmune conditions, give us headaches, skin issues, respiratory trouble- and too many chemicals over time can contribute to increasing our risk of being diagnosed with cancer. Did you know the latest Canadian cancer statistic is one in every two Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives?

YES, these are common products found in the home, like household cleaners, body lotion, even toothpaste that contribute to that stat.

HOW PRODUCTS AFFECT THE BODY

The toxins build up in the body and have a hard time breaking them down. Over time, the buildup happens faster than the breakdown - and could lead to serious health issues. You may not notice it today, but over time you will and you may never even make the connection.

So what do you do? Go to the store, blindly and pick a product that looks non toxic? I did that for a while but I’ll be honest, but many of those products that seem natural are far from natural. Many of them still contain a laundry list of toxic ingredients.

Many companies position themselves as small, independent grassroots companies but as the years go on, many of these companies are bought out by mega corporations.

When I worked in a health food store, several years ago, we initially had a strict policy that no products on the shelf would be owned by a mega corp. Eventually we had to drop that policy otherwise we would have had nothing left to sell. Many great, independent supplement companies were bought up by companies like Nestle, Proctor and Gamble and Clorox. While the supplement labels themselves didn’t change, so it looked to the naked eye like the original product, the corners were cut to save costs so cheap fillers would be added, cheaper, less absorbable forms of the nutrients would be used. And of course, it was never openly disclosed that the company had been bought out. This is common, and it’s happening in all products, not just supplements.

It takes a lot of effort and a ton of research to know all these insider tips. Many of us are just average people looking to make some easy, lateral shifts to better ourselves and our families.

You don’t need to be a chemist to do better. You probably just need a guide or two to help you. Print out my guide, Chemicals in Your Personal Care Products so that as you’re clearing out dust during your spring cleaning, you’re also clearing out products with toxins you’ll likely want to avoid. You’ll find this guide most helpful in the bathroom, where your shampoos, lotions, cosmetics and skincare products are. Spend some time reading your labels and making a list of items you want to replace with safer alternatives.

I have another guide for you, Household Cleaners to Avoid & What to Use Instead, as you embark upon this ‘detox the home’ journey and it’s a guide for the cleaning and household products you can start kicking to the curb. Print this out too, you’ll find it most helpful in your laundry room, under the kitchen sink and in your cleaning supplies closet. Again, make a list of the items you want to remove and begin transitioning. I’ve included some safer alternatives for you to try when it’s time to replace those items.

I hope this empowers you to get a little more streamlined with the personal care and household products you use daily. Leave me a comment or drop me a line and let me know how spring cleaning looks for your family.

In vibrant health,

Leigh

Xo