Toxic-Free Living: Protecting Your Health from Hidden Chemicals
Toxic-Free Living: How to Protect Your Hormones from Hidden Chemicals
When we think about hormone health, we often focus on food, stress, sleep and exercise. But there’s another important piece of the puzzle that many women overlook the hidden chemicals in our everyday environment that can wreak havoc on our hormones, energy, weight, and overall wellbeing.
In a recent podcast episode with the lovely Tee Forton-Barnes, I had the chance to talk about one of my biggest passions: toxic-free living and how it supports hormone balance, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. You can listen to the full episode below.
Why Should We Worry About Everyday Chemicals?
Many products we use daily – from our shampoo and face cream to the containers we store our food in – contain ingredients that are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These substances can interfere with the way our hormones work, leading to problems such as:
Irregular periods
Weight gain, especially around the middle
Fatigue and low mood
Increased risk of breast cancer
Fertility issues
Poor sleep and anxiety
And the scary thing? These chemicals are everywhere. In plastics, processed foods, cosmetics, cleaning products even on receipts.
My Journey: From Teenage Acne to Women’s Health Advocate
I shared a bit of my personal story on the podcast too. My journey into women’s health began as a teenager struggling with acne. I spent years trying to “fix” my skin with every product under the sun – not realising many of them were actually making things worse by disrupting my hormones.
That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for understanding the root causes of health issues. Fast forward to today, and I now run a global online clinic helping women over 40 feel and look amazing by addressing their hormonal health, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Simple Steps to Detox Your Environment
Don’t worry — you don’t need to throw out everything in your bathroom cupboard. It’s about making small, meaningful changes over time. Here are a few of the practical tips I shared on the episode:
Ditch the plastic – especially when heating food. Use glass or stainless steel instead.
Check your cosmetics – look for products free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Read food labels – minimise ultra-processed foods and artificial additives.
Switch to natural cleaning products – or make your own with vinegar and essential oils.
Ventilate your home – indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air.
Every swap counts. Reducing your exposure can help support your hormone health, especially during times of change like perimenopause and menopause.
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