lifestyle recommendations

Foundations

  • The first tip I have for people wanting to make health changes is to make sure they’re drinking good, clean water. Friend – tap water is really, really gross. Have you ever researched what’s in your city water?

    One day our house will have a whole house water system {the AquaOx is on my very short list of dream systems}, but for now I’m doing the best that I can! We currently use a Berkey BUT use Greenfield Water Solutions filters. We use this water to drink, as well as to cook with!

    Aqualux shower heads are also a non-negotiable for us because our skin readily absorbs both the good and the bad that we are exposed to.

  • I admit that my husband was the one that first insisted that we prioritize both our sleep and sleep environment — he protects both fiercely.

    After reading about the toxins that most mattresses contain, we invested in a Birch mattress and swapped out all of our linens for organics. {West Elm has some beautiful and organic options.}

    We are also very mindful of turning off our phones {or at the very least having blue light filters on our devices} in the evenings. We go to great lengths to ensure we are in bed at a reasonable hour and try to get up for the sunrise {or soon after} to honor our circadian rhythms.

    One other thing we cannot imagine not having is our Bio-Res Sleep spray. It’s not only a non-hormonal sleep solution but also supports our entire bodies for regeneration and restoration of all processes that happen while we sleep {like detoxing, adrenal/glandular restoration, and more}.

  • When you get sick, a great doctor will ask, “how much stress have you been under lately?” Science has shown us that mental health affects every part of our bodies, and helping our minds and bodies stay balanced is crucial.

    An absolutely free option is focusing grounding. This may look like gardening or walking barefoot {on ground not treated with pesticides}, taking deep/intentional breaths, using your senses to observe your surroundings, journaling, or prayer/meditation.

    Working with an emotional release practitioner (like myself) is also very helpful. Releasing trapped emotions and beliefs allow you to have a fresh outlook on life and see opportunities where you may have once seen previous hurts, hangups or failures.

    Another non-negotiable for me is Bio-Res Relax. This spray helps to bring people out of the fight, flight, or freeze loop that we can get stuck in and experience tremendous calm and focus.

    We are also big fans of essential oils. Essential oils powerfully affect the amygdala {the part of our brains responsible for memories and emotions} when diffused, inhaled or applied. Selah and Far & Wild are two brands that have earned my trust.

  • Unless people have pretty severe allergies, most do not consider the air quality in their homes. Here are a few things that can really affect air quality:

    1. Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from a variety of household products such as paints, household cleaners, and furnishings – just to name a few.

    2. Biological pollutants show up in the form of pet dander, dust mites, and pollen and can lead to respiratory issues and allergies.

    3. Smoke and pollution come from burning candles, environmental pollution, chemicals, cigarette smoke, cooking, and wood stoves, and can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, heart problems, headaches, and more.

    So what can we do about it? We have a couple of options:f Fill your home with plants because they do a stellar job at cleaning the air and make your house cozier. Another option is to invest in a great air purifier like the Air Doctor.

Food

  • Certified Organic

    Certified organic means foods are free of GMOs, (most) pesticides, artificial colors, food preservatives, and flavors, and not irradiated. That being said, the organic label has changed a lot in the last 20 years and more “exceptions” are permitted.

    Biodynamic & Regenerative Farming

    Biodynamic and regenerative farming is a better option and will require a bit more research. In biodynamic farming, there is biodiversity on the land and an emphasis on soil health — which in turn reduces the need for pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. Simply put, grass feeds the animals, the animals aerate and fertilize the grass through intentional rotational grazing, and then the grass pulls the carbon down replenishing the soil with nutrients. This cycle then repeats. These practices produce healthy soil, are pollinator-friendly, and contain more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients than conventionally raised food.

    Learn from Joel Salatin

  • Grass-fed & Finished Beef

    Conventional beef is often raised in crowded feedlots that fit up to 100,000 cattle in one square mile on top of their own excrements — raising the need for antibiotics. Grass-fed & finished beef is nutritionally superior. Read labels carefully – grass-fed is NOT the same as grass-finished (which often means cattle are given soy and corn feed toward the end of their lives).

    Pasture-raised Chicken & Pork

    Pasture-raised poultry is typically healthier, require less need for medicines and antibiotics, and produce more nutrient-dense products due to their more diverse diets. Labeling can be tricky so look for "certified pasture-raised" or talk one-on-one with your local rancher.

    Raw Dairy

    Pasteurization is the process that kills bacteria in dairy products but this includes the good bacteria! Pasteurized dairy lacks vital enzymes and proteins that help our bodies digest dairy, as well as decreases the vitamins it contains. Local, grass-fed, and sustainability-farmed raw dairy contains digestive enzymes and carrier proteins to ensure every nutrient is absorbed. Another thing to consider is how calves are weaned from their mothers. If a mother cow is stressed because of separation anxiety, her milk will be loaded with stress hormones and that is passed on to consumers. Responsible dairy farms will allow the mothers to feed their calves and then milk what is left. Our family does not normally consume dairy unless we tour the dairy farm.

    Find Local Farmers Here

  • 100% Stainless Steel

    Heavy-duty 100% stainless steel is a great option for frying and sautéing, and can be nonstick if used properly! For cooking acidic foods, be sure to look for nickel-free (indicated by an 18/0 on the bottom vs 18/10). The "18" is chromium and the second number is nickel. Stainless steel is also a good option for utensils — just be sure not to use them on cookware that can be scratched.

    My husband is the primary cook in our family and All-Clad and Made In are two companies that he likes but you can also check retailers like TJ MAXX or Marshalls for great deals

    100% Ceramic

    100% ceramic cookware is nontoxic, inorganic, and non-reactive. It contains no PFOA, PTFE, glues, polymers, coatings, or dyes. It's important to look for quality with ceramics to ensure they don't leach chemicals, metal, cadmium, lead or change the taste of your food.

    We have an Always Pan and enjoy its many features.

  • Meal prepping oftentimes becomes a way of life for those who choose to live a more holistic lifestyle. Doubling or tripling recipes is an easy way to have readily accesible foods that are still very healthy. Glass {especially mason jars of all sizes} is our primary storage solution, but we also use stainless steel and some food-grade silicone storage containers. That being said, we do not reheat anything in silicone. Stasher Bags are a great option on the go and are available at many retailers now.

Hygiene & Makeup

  • Our skin has some very real enemies:

    1. Pollution: Environmental pollutants can wreak havoc on our skin. Clean your skin with clean, and try to spend your weekends in natural, unpolluted places.

    2. Excessive Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure leads to dry, wrinkled, and prematurely aged skin.

    3. Dry Air: If you spend a lot of time at the office or in the car, the air-conditioning can cause serious damage to your skin. You should always have a facial toner or mist and use it as often as you need it. Hydration is also key!

    4. Alcohol: Alcohol should be consumed in moderation. A glass of wine from time to time is not a danger to your health and beauty. Alcohol dehydrates your skin and uses up your B vitamins.

    5. Smoking: You should simply compare a smoker's and a non-smoker’s skin and you’ll certainly see the differences. Smoking eats up Vitamin C in your body and gives a gray color to your complexion.

    6. Yo-Yo Dieting: Although your skin is elastic, it does not tolerate many weight changes.

    7. Stress: One of the major causes of premature skin aging is stress.

    8. Dehydration: To look young, beautiful, and fresh your skin needs plenty of water. Dehydration causes wrinkles and lines in your skin and you don’t want this to happen.

    9. Diet: Healthy skin needs a healthy diet – the nutrients we are getting {or not getting} matters

    10. Lack of Sleep: They call it “beauty sleep” for a reason.

    One of the things that supports the skin in the battle against these enemies is glutathione. Known as the “master antioxidant,” glutathione helps fight free radicals, cleanse the liver, and support collagen production. Nuemi’s glutathione “Swish” and “Spray” support clear, radiant, and youthful skin both inside and out.

    100% Pure has a fantastic and remarkably clean skincare line. I like the Argan series, and my teens like the Clarifying set. We all wash our face, spray on our glutathione and follow with a moisturizer – easy-peasy!

  • Did you know that the average woman puts over 500 chemicals per day on her body? Per day! The skin is the largest organ of the body, and the gateway for the varied toxins we come in contact with. It’s not just what we eat, but what we put on our body, that impacts our health. It is believed that our skin absorbs 60-70% of any topical products we use.

    There are many ingredients to watch out for in our makeup – here’s a list and why it’s important to avoid these toxins:

    • Butylated compounds (bht, bha): Endocrine disruptors linked to organ, developmental, and reproductive toxicity.

    • Imidazolidinyl Urea (and other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives): Known allergen and toxicant; possible carcinogen.

    • Lead: Technically lead is not supposed to be used in cosmetics but it is still found possibly in some color additives through contamination.

    • Octinoxate: An unstable chemical linked with endocrine disruption and thyroid disorders which have been linked to.

    • Parabens: Endocrine disruptor which mimics estrogen in the body and has been found in breast cancer tumors in 19/20 women.

    • Polyethylene Glycols: Targets the liver and kidneys and can cause kidney failure. It also allows other chemicals to be more readily absorbed through the skin.

    • Phthalates: Another endocrine disruptor; known to cause early onset of puberty which has been linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.

    • Synthetic Colors: Environmental toxin and allergen.

    • Synthetic Fragrances: Toxic Endocrine disruptors and possible carcinogens.

    Other ingredients I avoid: sunscreen, all heavy metals, benzalkonium chloride, benzophenone ingredients, phenoxyethanol, and bismuth oxychloride

    Another win for 100% Pure. Not only does their makeup leave your skin feeling fresh and radiant but you don’t need to worry about toxins!

  • Did you know that the skin on your scalp and forehead is 4 TIMES more absorbant than skin elsewhere on your forearms? What hair products you use matters!

    But the skin’s absorption of toxic chemicals isn’t the only reason why you might want to avoid conventional hair products. A study followed different pathways of chemical exposure throughout the lifecycle of shampoo. Researchers evaluated over 69 commonly used ingredients, in addition to looking at the environment effects of the ingredients after being used by the consumer. One important discovery was that in addition to chemical exposure through application to the skin and hair follicles, the inhalation of some volatile and semi-volatile chemical ingredients during shampoo use accounts for a significant area of exposure to toxins.

    After years of searching for non-toxic hair products that work for my hair, I discovered 100% Pure. The Glossing shampoo and conditioner was my gateway product in this company. I also purchase styling products from Giovanni.

  • What we put on our skin matters. Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and absorbs whatever we put on our skin (including tap water – make sure to check out my showerhead recommendation). The ingredients to avoid under “Makeup” also apply to lotions, body washes, body sprays, and deodorants.

    Here’s a list of recommendations:

    Body Wash/Lotion: 100% Pure or Earthley

    Deodorant (recommend unscented): Earthley, Acure and Humble

    Perfumes: Essential Oil Blends from Selah or Simply Earth or try one of Dime’s options (may not be the purest but it’s a step up from many other conventional brands)

Home

  • Walk into the cleaning aisle of any of your Big Box stores and you will be bombarded by fragrance, neon sprays, and claims to keep your family safe from any and all germs. Bad news!! They’re toxic and loaded full of ingredients that disrupt the endocrine system, cause respiratory distress, irritate the skin, eyes, and nose, and you have to call poison control if your babies {human or furry friends} get into them.

    Note: Please avoid bleach and ammonia. Bleach {even in tiny amounts} has plenty of negative effects and ammonia is considered highly hazardous. Other ingredients to avoid: fragrance, foaming agents like SLS, and warning labels.

    All Purpose Household Cleaners: Earthley Concentrate (does it all), ECOS All-Purpose Spray, and 03waterworks

    Toilet Bowl Cleaner: ECOS Toilet Cleaner and Thrive Market Toilet Cleaner

    Windows & Glass: 50/50 water and vinegar

  • Swapping out our laundry detergent was one of the first things that we did. Think about it – we have fabric on our skin all day every day. It’s important to think about what our skin is absorbing from our clothing, sheets, towels, blankets, etc.

    Here are some ingredients to avoid in your laundry detergents and softeners:

    1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate/ Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLS/ SLES). These surfactants were intended to remove soil and as a foaming agent—they were originally developed as garage floor degreaser. They also inflame skin, eyes, and lungs, and damage internal organs. SLS/ SLES is toxic in the environment as well.

    2. Phosphates. Phosphate exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and death from all causes in a general, healthy population.

    3. Formaldehyde. Yes, the toxic chemical used to preserve dead bodies is in many laundry products and dish detergents. Exposure, even at low levels, from breathing or smelling formaldehyde increases your risk of cancer according to the CDC. The EPA calls it a class B1 probable carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and says it causes acute toxicity when in contact with skin.

    4. Chlorine Bleach. It’s not surprising that bleach is a skin and lung irritant

    5. Ammonium Sulfate. This laundry additive is so toxic, its manufacturers recommend not using it indoors!

    6. Dioxane (1,4 Dioxane/ Diethylene Dioxide/ Diethylene Ether/ Dioxan). This laundry additive belongs as far away from your home and family as possible. Its liquid and fumes can spontaneously combust; it’s a known carcinogen (known to cause cancer since 1988); it causes skin, eye, and lung inflammation (some irreversible); it should only be used with protective gear including respirators; and once you are exposed (via inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact including fumes in your eyes), it targets the following organs: kidneys, central nervous system, liver, respiratory system, eyes, and skin.

    7. Optical Brighteners/ UV Brighteners. Optical brighteners are included in laundry detergents as stain treaters; however, they do not remove stains at all. They coat clothing with a substance that reflects visible light, so you can’t see stains; they are stain-hiders. In addition, it is an eye, skin, and lung irritant; extremely toxic to aquatic life; may spontaneously combust and cannot be in the presence of static electricity—such as that from your clothes dryer; and correct use includes safely discarding any clothing that comes in contact with it!

    8. Ammonium Quaternary Sanitizers (Quats/ Synthesized Cationic Surfactants). This cleaning additive is known to be corrosive, and it should not be in household cleaning products, as it causes eye, skin, and lung damage.

    9. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (Nonoxynol, NPEs). In addition to many warnings of harm to eyes, skin, and lungs, this laundry detergent ingredient states that prolonged exposure to inhaled fumes or mist may be fatal!

    10. Fragrance (Unspecified/ Parfum). Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients of their fragrances because of a legal loophole. Adding fragrance to detergent gives a false impression of cleanliness without improving the action of the product in any way. The deception goes much further than most people think—due to generations of indoctrination by unethical marketing schemes, studies show that women in particular choose products based almost solely on fragrance even when the product is clearly demonstrated to be ineffective at cleaning. Artificial fragrances are usually to blame in cases of chemical sensitivity, allergic reactions, and rashes. Pulmonologists almost universally recommend removing the artificial fragrance from commercial products unless specifically sold as perfuming agents, as our lungs are constantly inundated with harmful, unnecessary fumes. Many are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

    11. Dyes. Not only do dyes add no cleaning power at all, but they are also another frequent culprit when unexplained allergies or rashes appear. Many are proven carcinogens and almost all are endocrine disruptors.

    12. Benzyl Acetate. This additive is harmful if inhaled or spilled on the skin and targets the kidneys and nervous system.

    13. Dichlorobenzene (P-Dichlorobenzene/ Benzene). Benzene has an immediate, highly toxic effect on aquatic life that can continue poisoning the watershed for years to come. The fumes cause optical damage, and it is listed with a carcinogen warning for humans.

    Recommended Laundry Detergent: Earthley or ECOS

    Fabric Softener Replacement: Wool Dryer balls and don’t over-dry laundry

  • I cannot even pretend to have a green thumb or know the slightest bit about maintaining an organic lawn because we have had a zero-scape yard for a decade, but I can chat a bit about fertilizers.

    The short of it: avoid them. The bigger reason is that conventional fertilizers encourage soil to become dependent on them and often results in multiple chemical steps — weed killer, insect killer, more weed killer, and winterizing fertilizer.

    And let’s talk about the deadly weed killer known as Round-Up. Its main ingredient, glyphosate, has been linked to birth defects, cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, depression, Parkinson’s Disease, heart disease and so much more.

    Want to learn more about organic outdoor care? Grab The Organic Lawn Care Manual, by Paul Tukey.

  • The toxins in my couches, furniture, and floors were some of the last things that got my attention, because I honestly didn't think too much about it, and building a non-toxic home from the ground up hasn't been a reality for our family.

    So, here are some things to watch for as you’re making new purchases:

    1. Formaldehyde. Manufactured woods like plywood, fiberboard, particleboard, MDF, and veneer wood are the primary source of formaldehyde in home furnishings.

    2. Synthetic and Chemically Treated Fibers. Synthetic fibers are made with chemicals like PFAS, and even some that aren't removed with washing like formaldehyde and phthalates. These show up on labels as: wrinkle-free, stain-free, water-proof, polyester, nylon, acrylic, polyamide, and flame retardant {watch for this on kids’ pajamas}.

    3. VOCs - or Volatile Organic Compounds . VOCs are found in toxic paints, stains, and glues. Paints are commonly known to emit harmful VOCs. Many home furnishings use toxic glues that release VOCs as well, such as formaldehyde.

    Suspect that this could be causing some allergies or other symptoms? Don’t freak - an air purifier like the Air Doctor can do a fabulous job at eliminating toxins from the air and surfaces of your home.

EMFs & Energetics

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Supplementation

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