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Writer's pictureDr. Tamara Dickson

Non-Toxic Lifestyle Basics

There are SO MANY MORE CHEMICALS in our lives than there used to be and sadly, the U.S. government knows that many of them are bad for our health and has yet to update its laws on environmental chemicals.


Several other countries will not accept products from the US because they’ve outlawed chemicals that we still use, or more they regulate the amounts more strictly.


Why is this important? Certain environmental chemicals build up in our bodies over time, interrupting the natural processes of our hormones (called endocrine disruptors), our immune systems, and our nervous systems. Our chemical burden is making us sick. If you are already struggling with your health- being aware of these saboteurs is even more important for you.


For example, did you know that using black/ dark hair dyes has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer? This effect is even stronger for black women because the chemicals found in hair straightening products further increase the cancer risk (among other factors). This coming from Harvard Medical School, who advises that we all reduce our chemical exposure, further documents the importance of non-toxic living.


You have to become aware and protect yourself. Toxic agents ranked 5th in underlying causes of U.S. deaths in the year 2000 and it is only getting worse.


Your environment absolutely impacts your wellness and that includes these 'Zones of Health'


  1. What you put in your body

  2. What you put on your body

  3. What you keep around your body



Whenever possible, choose the option with the LOWEST chemical content.


- There are 12 produce items that carry the largest toxic burden of chemicals. Make sure at least those are organically grown.


- Drink filtered/ purified water (Flint is NOT the only place with problems).


- There are many low-chemical cleaning options, some you can make at home.


- Choose eco-friendly paints and low-chemical fabrics and furniture (no VOC or flame retardants)


- Look for the most natural options for your skincare, haircare, makeup, and personal scents.

Avoid ingredients with

  • Any word ending in ‘paraben’

  • Formaldehyde releasers: hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea

  • Triclosan

  • Any word ending in “phalate”

  • Sodium laureth sulfate or Sodium laurel sulfate. SUPER COMMON but these are already banned in Canada. Castile soap- a concentrated vegetable-based soap, is a good substitute here.

We were never meant to deal with the hundreds of chemicals we now encounter everyday. Avoid exposure NOW so you don't need to detox later.

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