top of page
Search

Do I need a Detox? Everyday Steps to Reduce Toxic Exposure

Writer's picture: Jarrod CouchJarrod Couch

Detoxing is a hot topic these days. A quick online search will bring up an overwhelming number of cleansing protocols, juice fasts, and detox supplements that promise to rid your body of harmful toxins. You may find posts and articles about all of these:

  • Juice Cleanses

  • Raw Food Diets

  • Colon Cleansing

  • Coffee enemas

  • Detox Teas

  • Herbal Detox Supplements

  • Water Fasting

  • Sauna and Sweat Detox (which I do love)





While some (if not all of these) may have their time and place, the truth is, detoxing doesn’t have to be complicated. Before diving into expensive regimens or extreme diets, you can start by making simple, practical changes that reduce your daily exposure to toxins. The best part? These changes are sustainable and can have long-term benefits for your health. Let’s focus on what i think are the basics.


1. Clean Up Your Drinking Water

Water is essential for life, but it can also be a source of unwanted contaminants like heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, and microplastics. Instead of relying on store-bought detox drinks, one of the most effective ways to support your body’s natural detox processes is by investing in a good water filtration system.


  • Reverse osmosis systems remove the widest range of contaminants.

  • Activated carbon filters (there are plenty of brands available) can help reduce chlorine, lead, and other pollutants. Some are better than other show just check to see which products filter the most substances. Here are some of the contaminants you should be looking for in Washington County.

  • A simple filtered water bottle is an easy, portable option if you’re always on the go.

By ensuring you’re drinking clean, purified water, you’re already reducing your body’s toxic burden significantly.


2. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

We often focus on food and water when thinking about detoxing, but the air we breathe is just as important. Household air can be filled with pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and allergens. Simple ways to improve indoor air quality include:

  • Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture dust, pet dander, and airborne toxins.

  • Opening windows daily to allow fresh air circulation and reduce indoor air pollution.

  • Adding houseplants like spider plants and peace lilies, which naturally help filter toxins from the air.

  • Avoiding artificial air fresheners and scented candles, which can release harmful chemicals into your home.


3. Choose Safe Cookware

Many people are unaware that their cookware could be leaching toxic chemicals into their food. Nonstick coatings, such as Teflon, contain perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) that can break down at high temperatures and contaminate food. Instead, opt for safer alternatives:

  • Stainless steel – Durable and non-reactive. If you haven't mastered cooking on stainless, check out some videos!

  • Cast iron – Naturally nonstick when seasoned properly. Some folks have positive things to say about the extra iron and some folks find this to be a negative.

  • Glass baking dishes – Great for oven use without the risk of leaching chemicals.


4. Store Your Food Safely

Plastic food containers can leach bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates into your food, especially when heated. An easy switch is to store food in glass containers instead of plastic.

  • Glass Tupperware is microwave-safe, non-toxic, and lasts longer than plastic alternatives.

  • Beeswax wraps are a great substitute for plastic wrap.

  • Stainless steel containers can be used for storing dry goods and snacks on the go.


Nobody should be storing hot food or reheating in plastic containers!


5. Simplify Your Personal Care Routine

Your skin is your largest organ, and what you put on it matters. Many personal care products, such as lotions, shampoos, and makeup, contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. Instead of trying a trendy “detox tea,” simply reducing your daily exposure to these harmful substances can go a long way.

  • Use fragrance-free or naturally scented soaps and lotions. Lots of good options for natural soaps--even local. Or make your own!

  • Opt for mineral-based sunscreens instead of chemical sunscreens. Or better yet--shade, protective hats and clothing.

  • Look for cosmetics that avoid harmful additives. Consider some local folks offering tallow based topicals

  • Make DIY skincare products using natural ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera.


6. Wear Natural Fiber Clothing

Many people don’t think about the materials they wear, but synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are made from petroleum-based materials and often contain harmful chemicals, including flame retardants and formaldehyde. Over time, these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin.

A simple detox step is to choose clothing made from natural fibers:

  • Cotton – Breathable and widely available.

  • Linen – Durable and lightweight.

  • Wool – Naturally antimicrobial and temperature-regulating.

  • Hemp – A sustainable, chemical-free option.


Small Changes, Big Impact

Instead of focusing on extreme detox programs that might not be sustainable, start with small, practical steps to reduce your toxic exposure long-term. By making conscious choices about the water you drink, the air you breathe, the cookware and storage you use, the products you put on your skin, and the clothes you wear, you can naturally support your body’s detoxification processes every single day.


Remember, true detoxing isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating a healthier environment for your body to thrive. Start small, and over time, these changes will add up to a significant impact on your overall well-being.


Once you have committed to these foundational steps, then it may be reasonable to engage in the discuss on more aggressive protocols. But without starting with basics, chasing social media fads will be like walking upcoming with Indiana Jone's boulders coming down right back at ya. Stay tuned.

42 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page