The Forbes Clinic Guide to Low-Toxin Living

Would you like to reduce your personal exposure to toxins? Although it’s impossible to control toxic substances in the atmosphere emitted from industry, agriculture and transport, there are plenty of steps you can take to avoid unnecessary toxin exposure in your home.

Read on to learn about some surprising sources of toxins as well as helpful top tips to empower you to live a low-toxin life.

Toxin 101

First, a short recap on toxins. A toxin refers to any substance which, when ingested, can cause damage to your body’s cells or tissues.

Because of this, your body has sophisticated mechanisms to neutralise and expel toxins before they can harm you. Alas, the modern world is awash with synthetic chemicals and other toxins. Therefore, these detoxification systems, although incredibly effective, can become overwhelmed with accumulated toxins. This can be a significant cause of oxidative stress, inflammation, cell ageing and DNA damage.

Let’s now have a look at some sources of toxins in your home.

Do Plastics Contain Toxins?

First, let’s have a look at plastics, in support of Plastic Free Month. The world produces in excess of four hundred million tons of plastic annually. However, substances in plastic don’t always remain there and can pass into food and liquids. Two of the most concerning of these chemicals are Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates.

BPA is found in plastic food and water containers, as well as canned food linings. It’s particularly prone to migrating into food when heated or if the food is fatty, salty, or acidic. Once inside your body, BPA is capable of mimicking oestrogen, your body’s female hormone, increasing its levels in both males and females. It can throw out levels of progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, too.

Even plastic products labelled BPA-free may not be entirely blameless. The substances used to replace BPA such as BPS and BPF may also leach out of the plastic. Science doesn’t yet know how these may affect health, although research suggests they may be able to mimic hormones, too (1).

Phthalates are a class of chemicals used to soften plastics, for example when making food packaging or cling film. They too are hormone mimickers (2) and have been found to spark off inflammation (3).

In summary, long-term exposure to toxic substances from plastics can create issues related to hormone imbalances. These include fertility problems, PMS, heavy periods, fibroids, and even hormone-dependent cancers. Phthalates are linked with insulin resistance, leading to blood sugar imbalances, a precursor to type 2 diabetes (4).

Is The New Home Smell Dangerous?

Did you know the new carpet, new car smell is actually caused by a cocktail of airborne gases? Substances called volatile organic compounds or VOCs are emitted by new home furnishings and then inhaled. This term encompasses over four hundred airborne compounds arising from household items. They include compounds in flame retardants, stain removers and formaldehyde in adhesives.

VOCs can cause headaches, memory issues, breathing problems, nausea, and dizziness. They have been implicated in long-term health effects including nerve and liver damage. VOCs are particularly problematic for little ones as their faces are typically closer to carpets and furnishings.

This process of VOC emission is known as off-gassing, and it’s at its highest when products are new. Off-gassing decreases as products age, so what better excuse do you have for upcycling old homewares?

Can Home and Personal Care Products Increase Toxic Load?

Your skin is a permeable membrane, meaning many substances making contact with it can find their way into your bloodstream. These include phthalates, synthetic fragrances, foaming agents and parabens, used as preservatives in skin products.

Meanwhile, most commercially available home cleaning products contain chemicals which can be inhaled or absorbed through your skin. Once in your body, they place extra work on your liver as it must detoxify them.

Antibacterial and other chemical surface cleaners have been found to significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiome. This in turn has knock-on effects on immune and digestive health.

How to Reduce Your Toxin Exposure

Ventilation is key to reducing the effects of off-gassing. Dialling down the thermostat a notch can help, too.
When redecorating and doing DIY, look for low-VOC paints and glues.
If you buy new furniture, store it in a garage or outhouse if you can for a couple of weeks before bringing it inside.
Don’t use chemical pesticides or herbicides when gardening, as these are easily inhaled. The pollinators will thank you, too.
Chemical air fresheners are a source of airborne toxins. Banish bad smells with essential oils instead.
Wax candles emit toxins when burned. Opt for natural soy or beeswax candles.
Open fires and stoves emit fine particulate matter which can irritate lungs.
Lemon juice, white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda have multiple cleaning applications around the home and are toxin-free.
Avoid chemical-based personal care products. Many brands are available nowadays based on natural ingredients.
Use glass or metal water bottles and glass containers to store food. Never heat plastic containers in the microwave.
Choose BPA-free canned foods.
Take steps to eradicate mould from your home.
Avoid cookware with non-stick coatings, because these can flake off into food, especially if it’s damaged.

Personalised Support for Low-Toxin Living

Reducing your toxin exposure makes good health sense. Your liver has many other jobs apart from detoxification. So it will thank you for making its life easier.

A Functional Nutritionist can assess whether toxins may be contributing towards your health concerns. They will work with you to both reduce your toxin exposure and support your natural detoxification systems with food and nutrients.

An Integrative Health Assessment is a great first step on your journey. We can recommend your personal pathway to optimal health with the support of our expert therapists and cutting-edge functional testing. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Forbes Clinic Guide to Low-Toxin Living

Toxin 101

How to Reduce Your Toxin Exposure

Personalised Support for Low-Toxin Living

References