6 Ways to transition to a Toxin-Free lifestyle before getting pregnant
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In today's world, we are constantly exposed to toxins. They are in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products we use. These toxins can have a negative impact on our health, both physically and mentally. I really didn’t start to think about these things until after I had my first daughter, a little over 5 years ago. As moms, we want to make sure our kiddos have the best of the best and that means making sure the ingredients and materials that they are interacting with on a daily basis are top quality. Unfortunately the US is far behind where they should be in regards to regulations for ingredients in topical and internal products, so that means we have to do even more to ensure we are buying safe products for ourselves and our families.
There are many things we can do to reduce our exposure to toxins and live a toxin-free lifestyle or at least lower our toxic load. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to do this. If you are wanting to become pregnant within the next year or so, going toxin-free can be especially beneficial for you and your future baby. It can be most beneficial to start this process at least a year before becoming pregnant, but if you are already pregnant or have already had your baby, don’t worry! We got this : )
Clean up your diet
One of the easiest and best ways to reduce your exposure to toxins is to eat a clean diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are naturally low in toxins and high in nutrients. Focusing on these whole foods can also help nourish your body and make sure you are getting the proper nutrients. Opting for organic can also ensure that the fruits, vegetables and whole grains you are eating are not sprayed with harmful chemicals. Next time you go to the grocery store look around at the organic options and start comparing pricing. You might be surprised to see that the pricing is much closer than you originally thought. If you are on a budget and cannot purchase mostly organic options, look at this dirty dozen and clean fifteen list. If you can, make the items on the dirty dozen list a priority to buy the organic option. You can also check out your local farmer’s market and speak directly to the farmer, asking what chemicals they put on their produce. You’ll also want to try to avoid added sugars. Added sugars can be found in many foods, including sweetened beverages, baked goods, and even some savory items like sauces and condiments. Instead, choose naturally sweet foods like fruit or use small amounts of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Read labels: When you do need to buy packaged foods, read the labels carefully. Avoid products with a lot of added sugars, refined grains, and unhealthy fats. Processed foods are often high in toxins. They are also often low in nutrients. When possible, try to avoid processed foods and eat whole, unprocessed foods instead. Unfortunately, processed foods are everywhere we turn. When shopping at the grocery store you want to try to stay on the perimeter of the grocery store; getting most of your groceries from the produce, deli/ meats, dairy and frozen sections. If you put more emphasis on purchasing these foods first then go through the processed foods aisle, you’ll be less likely to purchase unnecessary items. When purchasing processed foods you want to read all of the ingredients. As a rule of thumb, the more ingredients the worse the food is for you. For our family we try to avoid canola, palm, sunflower and safflower oils. These oils are inflammatory to your body. Looking for items that use olive, avocado or coconut oils will be best for you, unfortunately those are hard to come by. If you might normally buy frozen waffles and read the ingredients list, you will likely see that it is made with canola or sunflower oil. In this case, you might consider not buying the frozen waffles and instead making some yourself and then freezing some for a later time. Sure, it may take up more time, but planning ahead and having those options on hand will be a much better choice for your health. This example can be applied to quite a few processed foods. Look for an upcoming post discussing meal planning and prep with tips and resources for you!The biggest aspect of making this lifestyle change successful is planning ahead. Planning your meals and snacks ahead of time can help you stay on track. Make a grocery list, prep ingredients ahead of time, and have healthy snacks on hand. I often find that when I slip up with eating better options, it is because I didn’t take the time to plan ahead and got lazy.
“When shopping at the grocery store you want to try to stay on the perimeter of the grocery store; getting most of your groceries from the produce, deli/ meats, dairy and frozen sections.”
Remember, starting a clean diet is about making small, sustainable changes over time. Don't try to overhaul your entire diet all at once. Start with a few simple changes and build from there. My biggest tip would be to change out a product once you run out of it, then instead of buying that product again you find a better alternative for it. Unless it is artificial dye, get rid of that stuff immediately. No, really.
*Oh, and if you read the ingredients list and see the words “natural flavors” this is usually not a great sign. This allows companies to put in 100s, even 1000s of ingredients under this blanket term without having to tell us what their “natural flavors” contain. Do not let the term “natural” fool you, in most cases it is far from natural. If you are eating something that seems to have really good ingredients otherwise, but still says “natural flavors.” you can email the company and ask them what is included with their natural flavors and if it is a transparent company, that truly cares about your health and the ingredients they use, they will let you know.
Drink filtered water
The water we drink can also be contaminated with toxins. To reduce your exposure to these toxins, it is important to drink filtered water. You can visit this website and input your zip code to see how many contaminants are detected in your tap water. There are quite a few options for water filters on the market. However, they are not all created equally. Most, if not all, water filters found inside your local Target or Walmart are really not going to get the job done. Some options I recommend Clearly Water Filter, Aqua True and the Pro One shower filter. Just because you can’t see any problems with your water, doesn’t mean that it’s not contaminated with something. This is one of the first things I would recommend changing, as water is something we consume daily and use to wash our bodies (with skin being our largest organ.)
Filtered water is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Clean drinking water helps to keep our bodies hydrated, which is vital for maintaining optimal physical and mental function. Drinking unfiltered water can expose us to many harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, which can have serious health consequences.
Water filtration systems can help to remove these harmful contaminants, providing us with clean water that is safe to drink. They can also improve the taste and smell of water, making it more palatable and enjoyable to drink.
Make sure you add minerals to your water as well. Unfortunately, our soil is very depleted of it’s nutrients. Because of this, our food and water can be depleted, too. Our family has started to use Trace Minerals drops to add back some nutrients to our water. These are tasteless drops and very easy to use.
Use natural products
Many of the products we use on a daily basis, such as cleaning products and cosmetics, contain toxins. To reduce your exposure to these toxins, try to use natural products instead. It can be difficult to sift through the “green washing,” a.k.a. marketing companies know the general population is becoming more aware and interested in lowering their toxin exposure, so they can legally market that a product is “natural” and use pictures of nature, when they’re still using the same harsh chemicals they always have been. *Beware of the word “fragrance” in a products ingredients list. Just like above, with the “natural flavors” companies can say “fragrance” and it can mean a multitude of different ingredients and they do not legally have to disclose what it is. Again, you can email the company and ask for a more in depth description of what can be found in their “fragrance.” If they do. not disclose this to you, you might consider finding a different brand.
Parabens and phthalates are commonly used in a variety of personal care products, such as cosmetics, soaps, and shampoos. However, research has shown that these chemicals can have negative health effects, making it important to avoid them.
Parabens have been linked to hormonal imbalances, as they can mimic estrogen in the body. This is concerning because high levels of estrogen have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Additionally, parabens have been found in breast tumor tissue, although more research is needed to determine their exact role in cancer development. Estrogen dominance can also cause terrible period related symptoms (cramps **we actually aren’t supposed to have cramps...like at all, PMS, acne, etc.)
Phthalates are known to disrupt the endocrine system, which can lead to developmental and reproductive issues. They are particularly harmful to pregnant women, as exposure to these chemicals can affect fetal development. Phthalates have also been linked to asthma and allergies in children.
To avoid these harmful chemicals, it is important to read labels carefully and opt for products that are labeled as paraben-free and phthalate-free. Many natural and organic personal care products are free of these chemicals, making them a great alternative. By making a conscious effort to avoid parabens and phthalates, you can help protect your health and the health of your family.
Currently I am loving Oliveda skincare products and Beauty Counter makeup (although I am curious about trying Crunchi brand makeup.)
Get regular exercise
Exercise is a great way to detoxify your body. It helps to flush out toxins through sweat and urine. This is called opening your lymphatic system or your drainage system. We know we are going to be exposed to toxins, some of which are out of our control. That is why it is so important to move our body and sweat! I know life can be busy, but making exercise a top priority can be beneficial in so many ways. And, I have some recommendations for other tools that can help break a sweat or get your lymphs moving. I love this Therasauge portable sauna (do not purchase one off Amazon for $100, these are not going to work.) I also love this vibration plate and it is so helpful if you have a busy schedule.
Exercise has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve heart health, and boost your immune system. It can also increase your energy levels, improve your sleep, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
In addition to physical benefits, exercise is also great for mental health. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters, and can help you feel more relaxed and happy. If you want to learn more about the connection to mental health and exercise I highly suggest reading Spark by Dr. John Ratey and The Healthy Brain Book by Dr. William Sears.
Overall, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. Whether it's going to the gym, taking a walk, or participating in a team sport, finding an enjoyable form of exercise can improve your quality of life. Most people want to know what the best form of exercise is and it really just boils down to what exercise will you do? What exercise will you be consist with? This is the best form of exercise for you.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is an essential process that allows our bodies to rest and restore themselves. During sleep, our bodies go through various processes, including detoxification. Detoxification is a natural process that occurs in our bodies to remove harmful toxins, waste materials, and unwanted substances from our systems.
When we sleep, our bodies produce more of the hormone melatonin, which is a potent antioxidant that can help protect our cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Additionally, during sleep, our bodies have a chance to focus on repairing damaged tissues, renewing cells, and flushing out toxins and waste.
Research has shown that lack of sleep can have a negative impact on our bodies' ability to detoxify effectively. Without enough sleep, our bodies may not be able to produce enough melatonin or perform other essential processes that help remove harmful substances from our systems. Over time, this can lead to an accumulation of toxins and waste in our bodies, which can contribute to a range of health problems.
In conclusion, sleep is important for detoxifying the body because it allows our bodies to focus on repairing and renewing cells, flushing out toxins and waste materials, and producing essential hormones like melatonin that can help protect our cells from damage. Getting enough restful sleep is an essential part of maintaining good health and supporting our bodies' natural detoxification processes.
If you have difficulty sleeping, I suggest listening to a podcast by Just Ingredients with Dr. Michael Breus (Season 2, episode 5.) We are loving these non-melatonin Sleep Gummies by The Elderberry Co. for our daughters and ourselves.
Manage stress
Stress can also contribute to toxin buildup in the body. Stress is a natural response of the body to perceived threats or demands. When we experience stress, our body releases cortisol and other stress hormones to help us cope with the situation. While stress is a normal part of life, chronic stress can have negative effects on our health. One of the ways that stress can contribute to toxin buildup is through the impact it has on our liver.
The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and removing them from the body. However, when we experience chronic stress, our liver can become overwhelmed and may not be able to function properly. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can have negative effects on our health.
Additionally, stress can also impact our eating and drinking habits. When we are stressed, we may be more likely to consume unhealthy foods and drinks, which can contribute to toxin buildup in the body. For example, consuming high levels of caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can all increase the amount of toxins in the body.
Overall, while stress is a normal part of life, it is important to manage it effectively to minimize its impact on our health. This can include practicing stress-reducing techniques such as exercise, meditation, and deep breathing, as well as consuming a healthy diet and avoiding unhealthy habits. By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the risk of toxin buildup and promote overall health and wellbeing.
Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, but it can become a problem if it's not managed well. When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones that can cause physical and emotional reactions, such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, anxiety, and irritability. If stress is not managed effectively, it can lead to a wide range of negative health outcomes, including high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Managing stress is important because it can help us avoid these negative outcomes and maintain a healthy balance in our lives. There are many different techniques and strategies for managing stress, including exercise, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and time management. It's important to find what works best for you and to make managing stress a priority in your life. By doing so, you can improve your overall health and well-being, and feel more in control of your life.
Having a baby is going to be a stressful situation. Of course, it is going to be joyous and amazing, but it will inevitably be stressful. You are not only transitioning into a mother and learning about this new version of yourself, but you will also be learning about this new baby. It is going to take time and trials and errors. The best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to get ahead of the stress. Figure out the best coping mechanisms for you, who is a part of your support system, how can you take some stress of your shoulders once baby arrives? Having this all laid out will help your stress and therefore help you as you transition to motherhood.
Managing stress can be different for everyone, as people respond to stressors in unique ways. However, there are some general strategies that can be helpful for managing stress. One effective strategy is to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, which can help to calm the mind and body. Another strategy is to engage in physical activity, such as going for a walk or jog, which can help to release endorphins and improve mood. Additionally, it can be helpful to prioritize self-care activities, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and spending time with loved ones. Finally, seeking support from others, whether it be from friends, family, or a mental health professional, can be a valuable way to manage stress and build resilience.
Personally, prayer and focusing on putting my faith first (i.e. reading the Bible, doing a bible study, going to church, being obedient to God) was what helped me get my stress under control the most. Of course, all of these things can be beneficial, but when I gave it all to God then I was able to fully step into my role as a wife and mother and do it really well. There will be highs and lows, but knowing that something far bigger than I can imagine is there to help me and guide me is very comforting to me.
In conclusion, living toxin-free is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for moms. The health of a mother affects not only her own well-being but also that of her children. Exposure to toxins can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and even cancer. By choosing toxin-free products and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, moms can improve their health and the health of their families. It may take a little extra effort to research products and make changes to daily routines, but the benefits are well worth it. Ultimately, moms who prioritize toxin-free living are taking a proactive step towards a healthier and happier life for themselves and their loved ones.
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