You see, as Americans we live in a system that we have programmed trust in how we are protected.  And might I say, our country has historically done a damn good job at that.  Shout out to all the Veterans out there, we appreciate you!  However, one thing our government could do a better job of protecting us from is toxins.

Toxins are literally everywhere.  They are present in our food, clothing, beauty products, household cleaners, and countless other places.  Products we buy on the shelves of our favorite stores have chemicals in them that are unsafe.  Many of which are not even listed on labels because they are “trade sectrets” and often disguised by being called fragrance.

Here are a few facts I pulled from a pamphlet created by Dr. Joyce M. Woods titled “Create a Safe and Healthy Home” taken from the website www.enviroalternatives.com.

• The average home today contains 62 toxic chemicals – more than a chemistry lab at the turn of the century.
• More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since WWII.
• Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity, mutagenic, carcinogenic, or birth defects.
• Chemicals get into our body through inhalation, ingestion and absorption.
• Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system.

I watched a documentary on Netflix called “Stink” which struck me.  Labeling laws truly do not protect us as consumers.  I knew I needed to make some changes in my home.  Thankfully, Brittany was totally on board.

Why is this a big deal to me? Well, Endocrine Disruptors can cause cancerous tumors, developmental defects, and neurological disorders. Any bodily system controlled by hormones can be seriously damaged by these disruptors. Neurotoxins are destructive to nerve tissue in both developing and mature tissue – all stages of human development can be affected. Hello ADHD, thanks for coming to the party, are your other neurobehavioral disorder friends coming too?! Don’t even get me started on carcinogens.

Here are a few tips for you to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.

1. Check the ingredients.

   Certain ingredients have hidden chemicals, yes, but there are other chemicals listed on the label of your household goods and beauty products you should be aware of.

2. Research.

   Do you the effects of chemicals like Phthalates or Troclosan, commonly found in hand soap?  That’s right, endocrine disrupters that can cause cancer and reproductive problems.  Google is your friend.

3. Download the app Think Dirty.

   If you want to check how toxic some of your household or beauty products really are, this app is a great resource for learning about chemicals effects or just how harmful they could be.

4. Make some DIY beauty products.

   It will save you money, and you can guarantee what you are putting on your skin won’t cause you harm.  Recently, I have been making my own facial toner using ACV (apple cider vinegar), Witch Hazel, and Young Living Essential Oils.  I use it after washing my face with diluted Dr. Bronners soap. Check out my recipe below.

5. Shop Organic and Non-GMO.

   We absorb toxins directly from the food we eat, specifically GMO’s.  Eliminating the potential to ingest pesticides is so important.  Some toxins, like glyphosate, in GMO food completely wreck your gut flora. That good bacteria in our gut, the microbiome, is the driving force behind our immune system. Kill your gut flora = kill your immune system..

6. Heal your gut!

   We use Purim’s BIOMEMEDIC to help flush harmful toxins, support “good” bacteria and repair our microbiome. This stuff is amazing. Save $50 off your first order of $75 or more by entering the Gift Card/Referral Code brittanyboersma (case-sensitive, no spaces) when you create a new Purium account here. We also consume fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, or miso soup.  Pair your diet with a good probiotic, and your gut will thank you.

7. Try an all natural deodorant.

   You stink, I stink, everybody stinks.  But you shouldn’t clog your sweat glands with chemicals to prevent it.  Perhaps there is a natural deodorant without aluminum compounds or parabens that work well with your own pheromones, leaving you feeling fresh as a summer flower.  Brit loves using a natural mineral salt deodorant that balances the pH of your skin – check it out! 

8. Stop wearing Cologne or Perfume.

   This is a tough one for me!  I have been a cologne-whore since I was a teenager.  Trust me, “fragrance” or “perfume” is a blanket term representing a vast amount of undisclosed synthetic chemicals.  These chemicals can do so much harm, and majority are not tested appropriately to determine if they are safe!  Instead, use Essential Oils as a replacement.  You can purchase different oil blends, or mix and match your favorites for your own blend!  One of my favorite scents is the Young Living Essential Oil Valor.  Smells amazing. If you are interested in becoming a Young Living Essential Oils wholesale member, sign up here.

To me, these tips represent a bit of a lifestyle change.  I know some of these tips are not easy, and you may not use them 100% of the time. That’s okay! My intention here is to bring your awareness to the harm our day to day routine, chores, comforts, and luxuries can cause us and our families.  Obviously I am not a doctor, so changes you wish to make in your health should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

If you have the opportunity, watch “Stink” on Netflix.  It might open your mind to a world of chemicals you’ve never knew existed, and the problems they can cause.

Jonah’s Facial Toner

• 4 oz Spray Bottle
• 1 Tb Witch Hazel Extract
• 1 Tb Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
• 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 5 drops Frankincense Essential Oil 
• 3 drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 2 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
• Purified Water

1. Put Essential Oils, Witch Hazel, and ACV into the Spray Bottle, using a small funnel if necessary.
2. Fill remainder of the Bottle with Water.
3. Shake well before use.

Do you have any DIY recipes for household cleaners or beauty products? Do you have a story about how synthetic chemicals, or lack thereof, have affected your life? Share them in the comments below! If you have any questions about Purium’s BIOMEMEDIC or Young Living Essential Oils, please let us know. We would be happy to share any information you may be seeking.

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Best wishes,
Jonah

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