Ask an Expert

Ask Tracey Vlahos, Our President of Wellness Education and Community

 

Ask Tracey: Our President of Wellness Education and Community

Common Questions Around Toxins:

 

Q1: What are toxins, and why should I be concerned about them?

A: Toxins are harmful substances that can disrupt our body’s natural balance, often hiding in everyday products like personal care, cleaning supplies, and even some foods. These include chemicals, pollutants, heavy metals, and other compounds that the body isn’t designed to process. 

Why be concerned? Constant exposure to toxins can strain your body, disrupt hormones, and lead to issues like fatigue, skin problems, and weight changes. Making mindful swaps—like switching to products free of synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals—can be a powerful step in supporting your hormones and feeling your best!

Q2: How do toxins affect hormones, and what role do they play in overall health?

A: Toxins can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances. Certain chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, mimic or interfere with hormones, potentially causing issues like reproductive problems, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic disruptions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, stress management, proper sleep and eliminating toxins in our beauty products is essential to hormonal health.

Q3: What lifestyle factors contribute to toxin exposure?

A: Common lifestyle factors that can increase toxin exposure include processed foods, environmental pollutants, lack of sleep, and chronic stress. Making health-conscious choices—like eating whole foods, managing stress, and getting enough rest—can help reduce exposure and support your body’s natural detox processes.

Q4: How can I reduce toxin exposure in my daily life?

A:

  • Choose organic when possible: Opt for organic foods to reduce exposure to pesticides and herbicides.
  • Mindful product choices: Select skincare and household products with clean and non toxicl ingredients.
  • Discard the use of toxic fragrant plug ins and toxic candles 
  • Filtered water: Invest in a water filter to minimize exposure to contaminants in tap water.

Q: How can I reduce toxin exposure in my daily life?

A: Here are some simple swaps to help reduce daily toxin exposure:

  • Choose organic when possible: Opt for organic foods to limit pesticides and herbicides.
  • Mindful product choices: Select skincare and household items with clean, non-toxic ingredients.
  • Avoid synthetic fragrances: Replace scented plug-ins and candles with non-toxic options.
  • Filtered water: Use a water filter to reduce contaminants in tap water.

These small changes can make a big difference in supporting your health and well-being

Q5: Are there specific toxins to watch out for in beauty and personal care products?

A: Yes, some common toxins in beauty products include parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and synthetics and fragrances. Check product labels for these ingredients and start choosing clean and non-toxic alternatives. Don’t know what any of these are? Read below! 

Identifying specific ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances on product labels requires careful examination. Here's a guide on how to spot these substances:

  • Parabens:
    • Common Parabens: Look for ingredients with names ending in "-paraben." Examples include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
    • Paraben Alternatives: Some products may use alternatives like phenoxyethanol, so it's essential to be aware of other potential preservatives.
  • Phthalates:
    • Common Phthalates: Phthalates are often hidden under terms like "fragrance" or "parfum." It's crucial to choose products that disclose the individual components of the fragrance.
    • Specific Phthalates: Some specific phthalates include diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP).
  • Formaldehyde:
    • Formaldehyde Releasers: Check for ingredients that release formaldehyde, such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
    • Formaldehyde Donors: Be cautious of ingredients like methylene glycol or formalin.
  • Synthetic Fragrances:
    • General Terms: Synthetic fragrances are often listed simply as "fragrance" or "parfum" on ingredient labels.
    • Individual Components: Choose products that disclose the specific components of the fragrance. If the label lacks transparency, it may indicate the presence of synthetic fragrances.

Q6: How do toxins impact sleep quality?

A: Toxins can interfere with the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which controls the sleep-wake cycle. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or experience deep, restorative sleep. Reducing toxin exposure can help support a more natural and restful sleep cycle.

Q7: Can toxins affect weight and metabolism?

A: Yes, certain toxins, known as obesogens, may disrupt the endocrine system and contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and minimizing toxins can support a healthy weight and metabolism.

Q8: What role does stress play in toxin exposure and health?

A: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and compromise the body's ability to detoxify efficiently. Incorporating stress management practices such as meditation, yoga, breath work, journaling, dancing, walking, and regular exercise can be crucial in supporting overall well-being and reducing the impact of stress-related toxin exposure.

Q9: How can I support my body's natural detoxification processes?

A:

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from the body.
  • Nutrient-rich diet: Consume a diet rich in antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients to support detoxification.
  • Regular exercise: Physical activity promotes circulation and enhances the body's natural detox processes.
  • Sauna therapy: Saunas can help eliminate toxins through sweat.

Q10: Why should I use plant-based DHA instead of chemically derived? 

A: Chemically derived DHA is the active ingredient in most self-tanning products, working by reacting with the amino acids in the outer layer of the skin to produce a temporary color change. Chemically derived DHA has been associated with respiratory issues.  Aerosolized particles containing DHA can be inhaled into the respiratory system, potentially leading to irritation and adverse reactions.

Seeking self-tanning products with naturally sourced or plant-based DHA is a better option.

Q11: Why should I care about balancing my hormones?

A: Balanced hormones are essential for overall health and well-being, impacting everything from mood and energy to skin health and metabolism. Hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of symptoms that affect daily life, and with toxins increasingly recognized as a contributor, reducing exposure to them is a proactive way to support hormonal health.

Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance:

  • Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Fluctuations can lead to irregular, heavy, or painful periods.
  • Weight Fluctuations: Imbalances in hormones like thyroid and insulin can lead to unexplained weight changes.
  • Mood Swings and Emotional Changes: Hormones affect mood, and imbalances can contribute to anxiety, depression, or irritability.
  • Skin Issues: Hormonal changes can cause acne, dryness, and other skin concerns.
  • Fatigue: Disruptions in thyroid or adrenal hormones can result in persistent low energy.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Imbalances in melatonin and cortisol can make it hard to get quality sleep.
  • Loss of Libido: Hormonal changes may impact sexual desire.
  • Digestive Issues: Hormone levels influence digestion, causing bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
  • Hair Loss: Imbalances, especially in thyroid hormones, can lead to hair thinning or loss.

Balancing hormones is a key step toward feeling vibrant, energetic, and in tune with your body!

The Role of Toxins in Hormonal Imbalance

  • Endocrine Disruptors: Some toxins, known as endocrine disruptors, can interfere with the body’s hormone-regulating endocrine system. These chemicals may mimic or block hormones, leading to imbalances.
  • Estrogen Mimics: Environmental toxins like xenoestrogens can act like estrogen in the body, contributing to excessive estrogenic activity. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, especially in cases of estrogen dominance.
  • Thyroid Disruption: Certain pollutants, such as perchlorates, can impair thyroid function. The thyroid regulates metabolism and plays a vital role in hormonal balance.
  • Insulin Resistance: Toxins in some pesticides and industrial chemicals can contribute to insulin resistance, affecting blood sugar and potentially leading to hormonal imbalances.
  • Inflammation: Chronic exposure to environmental toxins can cause systemic inflammation, which disrupts hormonal signaling pathways and contributes to imbalances.

Reducing exposure to these toxins can be a powerful step in supporting hormonal health and overall well-being.

Q12: How do I begin transitioning to a less toxic lifestyle if I'm new to this?

A: Welcome to the journey! Start by gradually (scootching) replacing everyday products with cleaner alternatives. Begin with essentials like skincare, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. Educate yourself on harmful ingredients, read labels, and consider choosing brands committed to non-toxic formulations. Remember, it's NOT about being perfect; practice the 80/20 rule. Life might not always allow complete non-toxicity, and that's okay. Small changes over time can lead to a significant reduction in overall toxic exposure.

Q13: Why should I care about what I put on my skin?

The skin is the body’s largest organ and can absorb various substances, including potentially harmful chemicals. What you apply to your skin can enter your bloodstream, impacting overall health. Additionally, many skincare products contain endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormonal balance, leading to issues like mood swings, weight gain, and menstrual irregularities.

Choosing safe, non-toxic products is essential for supporting both personal health and well-being!

Q14:  I'm just starting out on my non-toxic product journey. Where do I even start?

A: Starting your non-toxic journey can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Begin by focusing on one product at a time. Choose something you use daily, like body lotion, shower gel, or beauty product.. Use up what you currently have, and when it's time to replace it, opt for a non-toxic version.

Remember, it’s not an all-or-nothing approach—each small change or scooch you make contributes to your overall well-being. Every upgraded product counts, and over time, these mindful swaps will have a positive impact on your body and health. Celebrate each step you take toward a cleaner lifestyle!

Q15: What is Estrogen Dominance?

A: Estrogen dominance occurs when there is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels, resulting in relatively high estrogen levels. This can be caused by hormonal changes, environmental toxins (like xenoestrogens found in products), and lifestyle factors such as diet and stress.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Weight gain, particularly around the hips
  • Mood swings and anxiety
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased libido
  • Headaches

Balancing hormones is crucial for overall health.

Q16:What is Organic Ethanol? 

A: Organic ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a type of alcohol derived from organic sources, such as fruits, grains, or sugarcane, that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Why We Use Organic Ethanol in Our Non-Toxic Self Tanner

  1. Healthier Choice: We prioritize organic ethanol in our non-toxic self-tanner because it is produced without harmful chemicals and pesticides, ensuring a safer product for your skin.
  2. Reduced Exposure to Toxins: By incorporating organic ethanol, we minimize exposure to synthetic chemicals that can pose health risks, such as hormone disruption or skin irritation.
  3. Effective and Gentle: Organic ethanol serves as a natural solvent and preservative in our formula, providing effective results without the adverse side effects linked to synthetic alternatives.

By using organic ethanol in our non-toxic self-tanner, we prioritize your health and well-being while supporting environmentally friendly practices.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am not a medical doctor. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or questions regarding your health and well-being.