Tips for Reducing Home Toxins
Did you know that the average age of puberty from the 1920s-1950s was 14- 16 years old? By 1990 it dropped to 12 years old. By 2020 puberty now can occur starting as early as 8 years old. This is directly linked to increased exposure to endocrine disruptors. These are chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and food packaging. The BPA and phthalates in these products mimic estrogen.
Nutrition also plays a role in this as the food we eat today is not the same as it used to be. The chemicals that are in our food today contributes to increased fat production. Higher body % fat is linked to earlier puberty, as fat cells help produce estrogen, one of the hormones that triggers puberty. We have hormones in meat and dairy. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, rBGH is used in dairy cows to increase milk production. This can raise IGF-1 (insulin growth factor), which has been linked to early puberty and cancer risks. Moreover, some livestock are treated with synthetic hormones to boost growth, and often traces can remain in meat and dairy products.
Beyond meat and dairy, we are exposed to glyphosate which is sprayed over the majority of produce in the United States. Even organic produce can have glyphosate because of debris from wind - that is why it is critical to clean your produce before you eat it. If you aren't using Thieves fruit and veggie wash, add it to your order and start!
SMALL CHANGES AT HOME
We can make small changes at home and often I think we don’t believe that small changes matter but they really do. Ditch the plastic wrap from your home. I am a big fan of reusable beeswax food wraps. Not only are they safe, but they are reusable so we are creating less waste when we use them . We can also find PBA free containers and glass containers.
In addition to cleaning your produce you can purchase organic produce, dairy and meat when your budget allows.
I find food to actually be one of the easier things in our household to manage because it is me or my husband doing the buying and stocking the fridges. And hungry kids eat, lol.
Preteens/Teens and Fragrance
One of the harder things to deal with for our preteens and teens is the social influence of perfume, cologne, and anything scented. Seriously, pick up a group of teens to drop them off at a party and you will head home with a headache from the thick cloud of synthetic fragrances you had to sit in the car with. So with my kids I am just super honest with them about the harm of these chemicals to their hormones. Preteens and teens are definitely old enough to understand this. You could even watch the documentary “Stink” as a family together. Sometimes other people telling them it’s toxic is better than you, lol. Luckily, a new company of clean perfumes & colognes made with non-denatured alcohol just launched and I’m super excited! Learn more about Wyld Notes (a sister company of Young Living) here. Personally, I would grab the discovery set. When you do this you will get samples of the 5 signatures sets and get a $20 promo code to use when you purchase a full bottle. This is the best deal by far. Plus you can use my code: KariFriedman to get 10% off.
There is also an opportunity to become an affiliate with Wyld Notes, if you are interested in having an affiliate link to refer people to Wyld Notes. This is not part of the Young Living network marketing structure - it is affiliate marketing! If you are interested in learning more just send me a message and I can get you plugged in!
SWITCH IT OUT
Lastly, instead of candles or body sprays - I show my kids how to use our essential oils. We have a great new bundle that I am loving for spring and makes a DIY body spay so easy to make and is a no brainer for diffusing. The Love of Lemons bundle includes a Lushious Lemon Oil blend, Jade Lemon, and Vanilla essential oils. Additionally, the kit comes with a diffuser and a three pack for the Lushious Lemon hand foaming soap. Put that soap in your kiddos bathroom - they will be obsessed.
Here are some fun diffuser ideas with the oils in the bundle below!
