Over the years, I have come to realize that my body has a strong aversion to anything synthetic, and it all has to do with a genetic mutation called MTHFR. MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which is an enzyme responsible for processing and converting the essential vitamin B complex.
One of the key factors affected by MTHFR is the liver’s detoxification process. The liver plays a crucial role in filtering out toxins and harmful substances from our bloodstream. However, due to the mutation, the liver may process these toxins at a slower rate, leading to a build-up of toxins in the body. This can manifest in various ways, including heightened sensitivity to synthetic substances.
For me, this means that anything synthetic that enters my body can profoundly impact my overall well-being. Even a small exposure to synthetic ingredients can trigger a cascade of symptoms, including digestive issues, nausea, sleep disturbances, headaches, and body aches. The effects can range from lasting a mere five minutes to extending over several days or even weeks. It is truly an eye-opening experience to realize that over 50% of people share this genetic mutation and may also be susceptible to these sensitivities.
To manage this aspect of my health, I have to be hyper-vigilant about checking the ingredients of everything I use or consume. Whether it’s shampoo, groceries, supplements, lotions, or air fresheners, I cannot take any chances. This meticulous scrutiny has become a necessary part of my routine but can also add extra time to my shopping trips or research online.
The importance of avoiding harmful toxins in our everyday products cannot be overstated. A study conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the United States analyzed 2,983 ingredients commonly found in household items. Shockingly, they discovered that 884 of these ingredients were highly toxic, 314 caused biological mutations, 218 led to reproductive problems, and 146 were identified as carcinogenic. Despite these findings, these products are still legally allowed to be sold and used in our homes. It’s a sobering realization.
Toxins can be found in various household items, including cleaners, makeup, candles, shampoo, perfume, skincare products, air fresheners, supplements, lotion, packaged food, bug spray, cleaning products, laundry detergent, sunscreen, pain relief, and more. The list seems endless.
Here is a short list of toxins that I personally avoid, yet are still permitted on store shelves:
- Artificial or Synthetic Fragrance
- 1,4-Dioxane
- Oxybenzone
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Parabens
- Mercury
- Petrochemicals
- Talc
- Nano-particles
- Phthalates
- Bismuth
- Metals
- Synthetic Dyes
- Glyphosate
- Formaldehyde
We have the power to control the environment we live in, and that includes what we allow into our homes. We have the option to say no to harmful toxins. Considering the current global situation with people spending more time at home and cleaning more frequently, the use of these toxins has become even more prevalent. Our bodies, our families, and our animals are affected by these substances, impacting our emotions, sleep patterns, appetite, mindset, energy levels, and immune system.
As I delved into the topic, I discovered the concept of “Green Washing” where companies use marketing strategies to claim that their products or services are environmentally friendly. To illustrate this, let’s consider an example: potato chips. If you see two different brands side by side, with one displaying a bright red bag and the other featuring a picture of a farm, you may assume that the farm-branded product is healthier for your body. However, when you read the ingredients, you may find that there is likely no difference in the product itself, only in the packaging.
Essential oils is another great example. These natural extracts can provide incredible benefits, but not all oils are created equal. When I flip over a bottle of essential oil, my hope is to see only real plant ingredients with no added fragrances, fillers, or toxins. But far too often, the label tells a different story. It may claim to have a jasmine fragrance, but upon closer inspection, I discover that synthetic ingredients have been added, making it a lab-made imitation lacking the true properties of the real plant.
Even in stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon, where convenience reigns supreme, I can’t trust the integrity of the products. While there may be Young Living oils available on Amazon, it’s important to recognize that the likelihood of encountering counterfeits with different packaging is high. Therefore, I’ve made the conscious decision to prioritize my wellness over the scent of lab-made jasmine or the convenience of a quick shopping trip or snack. While also making sure to shop from companies instead of bulk places like Amazon.
Yes, it can feel exhausting to navigate a world where “running to the store real quick” doesn’t work anymore. But with time I have figured out how to make things work, even while I travel! Now I have found the fun in taking care of myself because I know what feeling good really is and there is no going back to feeling defeated every day.
To avoid falling victim to Green Washing, here are a few tips:
- Read the Ingredients: Look beyond the “Active Ingredients” and scrutinize all components.
- Research the Company: Investigate a company’s practices and values.
- Don’t Trust the Slogan “All Natural”: This term is not regulated and can be misleading.
- When the label changes, repeat the search because often times that means so have the ingredients.
Here are some of the tools I used to help my body heal from synthetics being in my home
- Diffuser
- A diffuser is important for our health as it can help to improve air quality by releasing essential oils into the air. These oils have various health benefits such as boosting our mood, relieving stress, and promoting better sleep. Additionally, diffusers can also help to alleviate respiratory issues like congestion and coughing. I recommend putting 8–10 drops of essential oils into the diffuser each time you refill it.
- Essential Oils
- Thieves: Can be diffused, applied to the skin or ingested. This blend was created from research recorded in the archives of the British Museum library about a group of 14th century European perfumers and spice traders who rubbed oils on themselves while they robbed the dead and dying. I personally love applying it to my feet in the morning, diffusing it at night or making a tea with it.
- Lavender: Can be diffused, applied to the skin or ingested. Taken internally, it contains antioxidants, may provide immune support, and can be used to add a floral flavor to your evening tea. May help cleanse and soothe minor skin irritations when applied topically. Creates a tranquil environment when diffused or applied topically. May help ease occasional nervous tension and improve sleep quality for occasional sleeplessness. I love adding this to my blends to elevate.
- Purification: Can be diffused, or applied to the skin. This blend was crafted to purify the air, to uplift and invigorate the atmosphere. I love how it soothes skin when applied on boo-boos or skin irritations. It is fantastic for cleansing the air of unwanted odors, perfect to add to a spray bottle to keep rooms fresh. I add a few drops to natural dryer balls to give the laundry a bright-smelling boost.. Personally I use this as deodorant, because it helps clean the lymphatic points in the pits as well as keep me smelling fresh!
- Peppermint: Can be diffused, applied to the skin or ingested. This is an invigorating aroma that can be diffused to create an environment conducive to work or study or applied topically to cool muscles following activity. It has a minty, refreshing flavor and supports healthy digestive function and gastrointestinal comfort when taken internally. I also love applying this to my back for a quick A/C effect.
- Stress Away: This roll-on includes Copaiba, which has been used since the 16th century in Brazil for calming; Lavender, a staple in the Provence region of France for supporting the nervous system; and Cedarwood, which is used heavily throughout Morocco and the United States for focusing the brain. In addition to these exotic oils, it includes Lime and Vanilla, key components with aromas that can help calm the mind and help you take on life’s challenges with their soothing, sweet scents. I love keeping this one in my purse for those on the go stressors. I roll it right on my writs and base of the neck.
- Deep Relief: A perfect on-the-go roll-on to help soothe your fatigued muscles. This blend features which create a cooling, soothing sensation when applied to your skin. All nine essential oils were carefully selected to create invigorating benefits. I love applying this to any place that has deep aching. I also love applying this to the base of my neck and temples when I have head tension.
Embark on a life-changing journey alongside your loved ones with this Solutions Kit! This kit makes it easy to say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to peace of mind in every room. When you grab this collection of tools, with my link, you get access to my private education community as well. This is years of training, tools and recipes on how to ditch the synthetic toxins and heal the body cellularly.
I started using this companies products in 2012 and wow do they really have CLEAN products!! I’ve even been to three of the farms that they grow their plants from, been apart of the distillation process for essential oils and dove in deep into the research they do to ensure the products are not tampered with before bottling! Its super cool to see the seed to seal. Seed to Seal commitment and its three pillars—Sourcing, Science, and Standards—ensure you get authentic, science-backed products that are kind to both you and Mother Earth. Farmers are experts in their field who know what it takes to deliver the highest quality products while constantly innovating to reduce our environmental impact. From nourishing the soil with the right nutrients to harvesting plants at the perfect time, they approach farming from every angle. Putting essential oils and other plant-based products to the test. This means products are built on decades of industry-leading research and data.
Grab your Solutions Kit today! Message me after you place your order so we can celebrate together and I will plug you into all the education I have for you!