Five Minute Read: Six Types of Environmental Toxins That Might Be Affecting Your Health

Creating an environment that supports your goals is an important factory in any journey.

James Clear, author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits states, "Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behaviour. Despite our unique personalities, certain behaviours tend to arise again and again under certain environmental conditions."

I agree 100% with this statement. When it comes to healing your body, your home should be a safe and motivating space for you.

In today's blog, I want to discuss with you the importance of the environment pillar in my Five Pillars of Total Body Wellness.

It's extremely important to address our environments when it comes to achieving our goals because a) harmful substances within our environment heavily influence our health; b) energy can be drained or restored based on our surroundings; and c) having an organized home and structure within each room supports the ability to focus on the task at hand.

However, unless you already have some sort of knowledge on environmental toxins, it can be hard to determine each type within your home.

Let me help you out! As a reminder, the below information isn't meant to scare or disturb you. I just want to bring your attention to things that could be causing you additional health concerns.

#1: Endocrine Disruptors - Endocrine disruptors include a wide range of substances, both natural and human-made. They usually mimic estrogen and interfere with the body’s endocrine system. Frequently found in beauty products.

#2: Carcinogens - These chemicals can trigger cancer within the body after prolonged or

excessive exposure. Common carcinogens to be aware of: processed meats, burned or heavily BBQ'd food, pollution and alcohol.

#3: Heavy Metals - Heavy metals, like lead, cadmium, and mercury can result in reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy levels, and damage to blood, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Found in tap water, high mercury fish such as salmon or tuna, scented candles, copper IUDs and more.

#4: Solvents - Solvents dissolve other chemicals, release vapors that get absorbed by humans and are typically found in paint, degreasers, dry cleaning chemicals etc.

#5: Antimicrobials - Found in everything from soaps, to cleaning products to socks and lunch

boxes. Antimicrobials can be ingested orally or absorbed through our skin.

#6: Flame Retardants - Used in furniture and baby product foam, building insulation, electronics, and other products to reduce fire hazard.

If you want to learn how these toxins affect you and how to eliminate them from your environment, my Back To Basics program will provide you with additional information and resources on detoxing and eliminating these. This program will also support you with becoming more confident with choosing safer alternatives for your lifestyle. Register here to get started!

I will always encourage you to make small changes over time. Start by switching out your favourite beauty product or household cleaner. I have some amazing brand recommendations over on my Instagram!

This is not meant to be an overnight transformation but part of an ongoing journey of learning and healing.

Want to learn more about the other pillars in my Five Pillars of Total Body Wellness? Grab a coffee, a comfy seat and dive in here!