Thrive - Benefits
Detox
DetoxIFICATION - BODY AND HOME
Detoxing after a cancer diagnosis — like switching to a vegan diet and juicing, or doing a medically supervised, water-only fast — is a good idea.
The benefits of detoxing, initially and then ongoing, are worth enduring any detox symptoms you may experience. By staying on track with your health routine, your body learns to regularly kick out toxins, which is the key to staying healthy long term.
We are bombarded by environmental toxins in our world today — some are natural and some are man-made. The good news is that if we are diligent with our health routine (diet, hydration, exercise, de-stressing, and sleep) then our healthy bodies are equipped to handle this onslaught effectively. Visit the Thrive page to learn more about these basic habits.
Prior to my diagnosis, I knew about environmental toxins. I was already using healthier products in our home, and I didn’t use or buy personal care products for my family containing parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. But I didn’t thoroughly understand their relationship to cancer; when I was diagnosed, I just assumed that all toxic chemicals caused cancer. I have since learned that some do, but not all.
-
Detoxification is the removal of unwanted toxins from the body. An initial detox after a cancer diagnosis can be a reset for the body. As you commit to your health routine, regular detox will happen naturally.
-
A medically supervised water-only fast is one of the best ways to detox, reset your body, prepare for treatment, or recover from treatment.
-
Flooding your body with fruits and vegetables in the form of smoothies, salads, soups, and juicing - even for the first few months - can start changing the terrain of your body.
-
The two main benefits of detoxification are improved gut health and weight loss.
-
As your body begins to detox through diet and lifestyle changes, you may notice some detox symptoms. Although this process may be difficult, it leads to a happy ending. Health ensues!
-
Reducing the toxic load in our bodies and our homes will benefit overall health.
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the removal of unwanted toxins from the body. In our lifetimes, we have been exposed to so many toxins: pollution, herbicides and pesticides, chemicals in tap water and processed foods, conventional cleaners, antibiotics, steroids, hormones, mercury in fish, by-products of smoking, and the list goes on.
There are several organs involved in detox: the skin, lymphatic system, gut, liver, and kidneys. These organs work hard to keep toxins from building up in our bodies. We can assist by using healthier products, as well as form a great health routine each and every day. Amazingly, our bodies are sufficiently equipped to address these toxins if we drink enough water, exercise and sweat, have regular bowel movements, and (most importantly) eat a plant-strong diet.
Detoxing after a cancer diagnosis becomes a priority for most patients. I have done two medically supervised water-only fasts, and now I recommend this as a first step to many cancer patients. I think it is a great way to get your body and taste buds on the right track.
A medically supervised, water-only fast is one of the quickest ways to detox and reset the body. Water fasting under the guidance of a trained physician has been proven to be safe and effective for improving many health conditions including cancer — especially advanced cancers. Water fasting has been used for centuries, both for therapeutic purposes and for spiritual renewal. Dr. Herbert Shelton, author of The Science and Fine Art of Fasting, lived to be 100 years old and claimed to have helped thousands of people recover their health through fasting.
This kind of fast entails consuming only water (no food) for a period of time, even up to 40 days. Not everyone is a candidate. For instance, Type 1 diabetics, pregnant women, or even people with some types of cancer would not be considered. If you are a candidate, it can be a perfect way to jumpstart detox, prepare for or heal from treatment, and reset your taste buds in order to adapt to a plant-based diet. I know many patients who have made water fasting their first step before treatment. Water fasting can also be a tool for the continued pursuit of health ongoing by resetting your system on an annual basis.
DOCTOR SUPERVISION
Prior to the fast, you will get bloodwork done. Your supervising doctor will decide if you can do a water-only fast or juicing fast and will give you a recommended time frame for fasting at a residential facility — anywhere from 5-40 days. The duration will be different for everyone, based on factors like weight and overall health. A medical evaluation will be done to determine the length of the fast. Some medications have to be stopped in order to water fast. There are some common detox effects including nausea, headache, insomnia, and fatigue. During the fast, the physician will monitor basic readings: blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and body weight on a daily basis.
BENEFITS
When less energy is being used to eat, digest, and process food, more energy is available for healing and repair. After a few days of water fasting, your body switches from burning glucose for energy to burning fat. This process is called ketosis. During ketosis, autophagy occurs, which is the removal of damaged cells and the regeneration of new, healthier cells. “Auto” means self and “phagy” means eat. Many cells, including cancer cells, may have difficulty adapting during this process and could become weaker. At the same time, brand new immune cells emerge, giving your body an immune system reset or recharge.
Here is a great article with a deeper explanation about water fasting by Dr. Frank Sabatino, D.C., Ph.D. https://www.healthscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-One-True-Fast-Spring-2020-Health-Science.pdf?mc_cid=53bd1a3899&mc_eid=c2a3ace211
Water Fasting
My most recent water fast was at Balance for Life Health & Wellness Retreat in Deerfield Beach, FL. Dr. Frank Sabatino and his staff are amazing! It’s a small, intimate group of people who are fasting and learning about health together.
My first water fast was in 2015 at TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, CA. Dr. Alan Goldhamer is the founder of this state-of-the-art facility and a true pioneer in the arena of fasting.
RESEARCH
Water fasting is not a cure, but rather a process to reset the immune system and facilitate the body's own healing mechanisms. There is evidence in research done on mice that fasting may have profound effects on cancer prevention, cancer progression, and the efficacy of treatment, especially alongside a plant-based diet. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14587868/
Dr. Alan Goldhamer is the founder of the TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, California. The center is the largest facility in the world that specializes in medically supervised, water-only fasting. Dr. Goldhamer was one of the researchers in these studies, confirming the benefits of water fasting:
Treatment of hypertension - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12470446/
Management of Stage 3, low-grade follicular lymphoma - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26655228/
Total resolution of kidney issues, as well as partial regression of abdominal mass - https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Challenging-Case-in-Clinical-Practice%3A-Total-of-and-Myers-Butler/3a5a4e5eaa44e3a6961eeeb848ec1b0f1aefee04
Short-term water fasting can be done during cancer treatment or at home as a regular detox, but discuss this with your physician before deciding to do a water fast.
A short fast before chemo decreases oxidative stress to normal cells, reduces inflammation, and allows the toxic agents to work even more effectively on the cancer cells. There aren't drugs that can do this. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18378900/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20157582/
A short fast before chemo can decrease side effects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21088487/
A short fast has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in mouse models. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22323820/
When we learned there was research on the efficacy of fasting, Joel fasted for 1-2 days prior to and after chemotherapy. This was easy for him to do since he was experiencing nausea and loss of appetite from the chemotherapy.
Here are some water fasting facilities around the U.S. I have done two water fasts: one at TrueNorth Health Center and the other at Balance for Life Health & Wellness Retreat.
WATER FASTING EXPERIENCES
-
I heard daily health lectures, like this one, by Dr. Douglas Lisle. In his book, The Pleasure Trap, he discusses why we get stuck in a self-destructive rut of eating unhealthy food.
-
While at TrueNorth, I attended cooking classes taught by a variety of culinary instructors like Cathy Fisher, founder of Straight Up Food.
-
The staff at TrueNorth serves a health-promoting diet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They equipped us with tools to continue healthy eating upon our return home.
-
The juice that broke my week-long water fast was made of beets and carrots. My body and taste buds were reset. What an interesting experience!
The Master cleanse or lemonade diet
from the book healing for the age of enlightenment by stanley burroughs
This is an easier fast than a water-only fast. Adding the ingredients allows for the body to have more energy, along with relief from hunger. Stanley Burroughs recommends this diet for 10-40 days 3-4 times per year.
2 Tablespoons lemon or lime juice (approximately 1/2 lemon).
2 Tablespoons maple syrup (Grade B is preferred, but Grade A or C are also acceptable)
1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Spring water or purified water (medium or hot is preferred, but cold may be used if preferred)
Combine the juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper in a 10 oz glass and fill with water. Use freshly squeezed lemons or limes only. Drink 6 – 12 glasses per day during your cleanse/fast. Ensure you are having at least one bowel movement per day. If this is not happening, consider drinking 1 – 2 cups of a laxative tea like Organic Smooth Move tea from Traditional Medicinals.
Detox Through Diet
Many cancer patients diagnosed today realize that a radical shift in their diet can have a significant impact. Flooding your body with fruits and vegetables in the form of smoothies, salads, soups, and juicing can start changing the terrain of your body, even in the first few months. Then, continuing with a plant-based diet can improve your overall health for life.
A good diet facilitates regular detoxification. A poor diet not only hinders detox but also increases the risk of diseases, including cancer. Dr. Stanley S. Bass, ND, DC says, “A remarkable thing happens when a person improves the quality of the food he consumes. When the food you ingest is of higher quality than the tissues from which the body is made, the body discards the lower quality tissues to make room for the higher quality materials to make healthier tissue. But on our way to this body made up of healthier tissue, there will be a reset of many aspects of your body, including your gut.”
Visit the Diet page to learn more.
IMPROVED gut health
Hippocrates said it best, "All disease begins in the gut." As you learn to live a healthy lifestyle, many markers of optimal health will improve—one of which is your gut health, also referred to as the "amazing microbiome." The composition of the microbiota will be one of the most influential factors in your body’s ability to detox regularly. This study showed that eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promotes bigger populations of beneficial bacteria. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3368382/
I get really excited each day knowing that even though toxins are still coming in, they have less impact on my body as I make healthy lifestyle choices. Toxins in, toxins OUT!
WEIGHT LOSS
Have you have ever experienced the vicious cycle of going on a fad diet or overexercising to lose weight, only to regain weight again shortly after? Well, I did this over and over again in my 20s. Joel did this many times as well. When I finally came to understand what I am about to share with you, it made a lot of sense as to the harm we may have done to our organs by yo-yo dieting.
When we are exposed to toxins, and we all are, a natural response of our body is for stored fat cells to surround those toxins. This protects our organs from those harmful toxins. Makes sense, right? Well, the problem arises when the focus is only on fat/weight loss. When we approach weight loss without proper nutrition or by overexercising, we may lose weight, but the toxins remain in the body. After weight is lost, there is less fat to protect our organs from the harmful toxins, which puts our health at risk. The body goes into crisis mode to protect the organs, so guess what is coming back? You guessed it — FAT! This explains the vicious cycle of dieting in an unhealthy way.
So, what is the right way to lose fat? By detoxing the body with whole foods, we shed fat and toxins at the same time. Not only does this create better overall health, but less fat and more muscle, while maintaining the weight loss.
I’ll never forget a CAM doctor saying that Joel’s 80-pound weight loss after surgery and chemo may have saved his life. No doubt he got rid of an extreme amount of toxins that were being stored in his fat.
Detox Benefits
Detox Symptoms
WHAT TO EXPECT
As your body begins to detox through diet and lifestyle changes, you may notice some detox symptoms. Dr. Stanley S. Bass calls this process “retracting.” It is important to understand that when you drastically change your diet and lifestyle, a large number of toxins enter circulation, overwhelming to the body. Although this process is difficult, it needs to happen to promote healing. It is very important to rest, de-stress, and get plenty of water and sleep as your body adjusts.
A nurse that I am blessed to work with says, "Healthy detox doesn't cause problems, it exposes them." Detox can last a few days or longer, but then it begins to subside. Here are some detox symptoms that can occur: fever, diarrhea, gas, nausea, frequent urination, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, joint and muscle pain, and sore throat. Don't get discouraged if you feel worse before you begin to feel better. The detox process may be like a roller coaster ride, so just hang on and at the end, you’ll be thrilled!
Click image to read the excerpt from Dr. Stanley S. Bass’ article on detox symptoms as well as several other detox articles.
Detox Your Body and Home
When I was first diagnosed, I immediately wanted to detox my body and my life. I threw out almost all of the plastic in my kitchen, and I threw away any personal care products that were questionable. I gave away almost all of my beautiful clothes and kept only the ones made from natural materials. It was good timing that my diagnosis was right before Christmas — I only asked for new kitchen items and clothes.
I felt like I might be the only one who took these drastic measures until I read this excerpt in a book (Hope Never Dies by Rick Shapiro) about another breast cancer survivor: "The first thing she did was throw out all the chemicals in her house. She cleaned her closets and shelves of anything she felt was toxic. She threw out everything that contained hormones, antibiotics and toxins like lead, parabens and sulfates that may have contributed to her cancer. She tossed out all of her food, make up, shampoos and her microwave oven." Wow! That was so encouraging to read. I am not the only one who felt the need to purge any toxins from my environment.
Many chemicals, both natural and man-made, may mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, known as the endocrine system. These chemicals are called endocrine disruptors and include plastic bottles and containers, liners of metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm
Visit EWG.org to see healthier personal care products and more.
The reason I went a little crazy throwing things out was because I thought the toxic substances in my home were what caused my cancer. I just assumed that all toxic chemicals caused cancer. Of course, there are known cancer producers (like smoking cigarettes), but this does not mean that all carcinogens cause cancer. I have learned that even though environmental toxins surround us, our bodies are healthier than we think. Our bodies are designed to detox naturally, especially if we are flooding them with good nutrition. Routine basic health habits are the most important things — eating well, hydrating, exercising, etc. Does that mean I'm going to breathe in chemicals every day and use toxic chemicals on my skin? No, but it helps to understand that although chemicals or harmful substances are unhealthy, the question is . . . do they cause cancer? Do they create mutagens, a physical or chemical agent that permanently changes genetic material?
T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., in his book Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition, explains the Carcinogen Bioassay Program, which tests the ability of chemicals to cause cancer in lab rats and mice. The animals are dosed with amounts 1,000 to 10,000 times higher amounts that humans will ever experience. If the animals develop cancer, then that chemical is labeled a carcinogen. Campbell poses an important question — should we assume that if large doses cause cancer in animals, then smaller doses will do the same in humans? The answer is no. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4949043/
Dr. Campbell also touches on this topic in The China Study and The Future of Nutrition, stating that it takes more than just chemicals to cause cancer. He says that, “Population studies show almost no evidence of casual associations of environmental chemicals with human cancer. However, poor nutrition is not associated with only one type of cancer, but with the vast majority. While mutations do happen, a poor diet (one that is not plant-based) increases their occurrence and reduces our ability to keep those mutations in check.”
More research needs to be conducted on chemicals and carcinogens. It is easy to become anxious about them, but for now, there is no solid research that proves we need to be concerned that all environmental toxins will cause cancer or a recurrence, or be enough to force us to live in a bubble. Phew! Less stress!
With all of that said, the choices I have made regarding my household stem from the belief that reducing our toxic load could only benefit our health. Our organs don’t have to work nearly as hard to keep our bodies healthy. I share below all that I have done in our home, and this is an exhaustive list. Pick and choose wisely, according to your budget. Healthy food choices should be at the top of your list of changes, along with drinking filtered water. Visit the Diet and Hydration pages to learn more.
DETOX YOUR BODY - head to toe
HAIR
Every six weeks for over 25 years, I paid a fortune for chemically-treated hair. You name the hair treatment, and I probably did it! I even had hair-straightening treatments, probably containing formaldehyde, done a couple of times per year. When I was diagnosed I stopped all hair treatments in search for healthier options. Then Covid hit, and this gave me time to let my hair heal and really do some research on hair products. I learned that it is ideal to avoid the following ingredients:
I learned that it is ideal to avoid the following ingredients:
Ammonia
Hydrogen peroxide
DMDM Hydantoin
Lead Acetate
Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and anything else ending in paraben)
Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP, and artificial fragrances)
PPD (p-phenylenediamine)
Resorcinol
Sulfates (SLS and SLES)
Toluene
Triclosan — In 2017, the FDA deemed this ingredient harmful due to disrupting hormones, but I couldn't find specific research on this.
During COVID, I cut my hair and gave it a break from the fake (treatments) for over a year.
There is so much more to my journey and even how I am coloring my hair now. Needless to say, I am still experimenting and continuing my quest for plant-based substances to use on my hair.
Read “Hair Reset” for more details, and visit the Julie’s Online Favorites page for specific hair products.
FACE
I grew up in south Florida. Every Saturday in high school, our friend group went to the beach together all day. We would put baby oil all over our bodies to get a deeper tan, even on our faces. It was incredibly fun, but not the ideal situation for healthy skin.
After I turned 45, I started paying more attention to how I looked. I started going to dermatology appointments regularly and paid closer attention to my sun-damaged skin. We can’t eliminate all signs of aging. So, I have learned to embrace aging and all it encompasses. I’m reminded that my wrinkles represent all that I have learned, and the wisdom that can come with aging. Now I’m focused on my health routine, as it is creating beauty from the inside out.
BEAUTY FROM WITHIN — Diet, HYDRATION, & Skin Health
Your skin is a demonstration of your health status. Aging is reflected in skin appearance, but I am learning that aging of the skin can be slowed and some of the damage reversed with diet, hydration, exercise, de-stressing, and sleep — and also the use of the right products. Regular detoxification is essential to beauty. Helping the liver do its job of filtering out toxins will automatically improve the quality of the blood going to the skin. As you detox your body with your lifestyle habits, you should notice a difference with acne, blemishes, wrinkles, and even body odor.
This study says that there is less skin damage with a higher intake of vegetables. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11293471/
This study showed that increasing healthy gut bacteria positively changed skin expression and appearance. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27596801/
This study showed that the ingestion of fruit and vegetable powders increases microcirculation of the skin at 12 weeks of intervention and positively affects skin hydration, density, and thickness. https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/330521
Visit the Cam Treatment page to learn about Juice Plus+.
Beauty is actually found in the kitchen!
When you eat a healthy diet, inflammation is reduced. Inflammation causes skin to age and even damages collagen. Eating a lot of plants is the best way to increase collagen, not taking it in a supplement or shake mix. Consuming collagen does not promote collagen growth. The protein we eat converts into collagen naturally. Furthermore, many other nutrients are needed to make collagen, and plants are great sources of those nutrients.
Beta carotene, from plants, is stored in the skin and gives us a natural glow. It also acts as a natural sunscreen, which converts to natural retinol (vitamin A) and increases skin elasticity. Remember that refined sugar, processed foods, packaged meats and cheeses, high fats, and fried foods will all age your skin. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes will do the opposite.
Hydration also impacts skin elasticity and appearance. It also provides protection against infection, sun damage, and skin disorders. The ability of skin cells to hydrate depends not only on the amount of water consumed, but also the products that are applied to the skin. Many skin care products are filled with chemicals that clog the pores, dry the skin, and get absorbed into the body. Many manufacturers hide behind the ingredient “fragrances” as a way to hide even more harmful chemicals. The best solution is to use natural products as much as possible. Visit EWG.org find healthier personal care products.
Visit the Julie’s online favorites page for face products.
mouth
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases.” I am grateful for all I have learned from my biological dentist. Read “Biological Dentistry Journey” for my full story. According to my biological dentist, pulling with coconut oil is a good way to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums. It’s also a great way to naturally whiten your teeth. Put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and swish around for 10-15 minutes, spit in trashcan, then brush. F.B.I. twice a day, which stands for floss, brush, and irrigate. Visit the Julie’s Online Favorites page for mouth products.
ARMPITS
Bacteria in the gut contributes to body odor. As your gut health improves, so will your body odor, which may eventually make deodorant unnecessary. That is what happened to me! I no longer require deodorant . . . I think! :) If your body is removing waste properly, then you should not smell. The reason most people have body odor is because excess waste is being removed through the skin. Sometimes when we eat at a restaurant, even though I order something very healthy, I will have a slight odor the next day — isn’t that interesting? If you use deodorant, be sure to choose healthier options. Visit the Julie’s Online Favorites page for a homemade deodorant recipe as well as healthier deodorant product options.
hands and feet
Hand soap and moisturizers are used every day, often multiple times on our skin, so it is important to use healthier options. Antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap and water, and it is true that habitual use can lead to antibiotic resistance. Bacteria on our skin is actually beneficial and protects us from pathogens. Using antibacterial soap regularly can wipe out our beneficial skin microbiome, leading to increased risk of disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2446461/
Visit the Julie’s Online Favorites page for healthier product options for hands and feet.
whole body
Whole body care has been an important part of my healing. Not only using healthier body soap and moisturizer, but also taking detox baths and going in the sauna several times each week. Here are a couple of other reminders.
SKIN BRUSHING
Skin/dry brushing opens pores and stimulates the lymphatic system, as many of the lymph vessels lie just under the skin. Use a skin brush before showering and brush toward your heart, under arms, behind knees, inner thighs, and bottoms of the feet. Do not brush your face or breasts. Watch this video for directions on skin/dry brushing.
SUNBLOCK
Despite popular thinking, you actually want to expose your skin to the sun without sunblock. Attempt to get out in the sun for 15-20 minutes each day to get adequate vitamin D (on the palms, eyes, or stomach). Many studies show that plant foods contain nutrients that can protect against ultraviolet (UV) sun damage. Beyond the initial sun exposure, use coconut oil or pure zinc oxide for sunscreen. Visit the CAM Treatment page to learn more about vitamin D.
DETOXING YOUR HOME
AIR QUALITY
Choose an air filter that removes pollen, outdoor air pollution, mold, mildew, methane, benzene, phthalates, asbestos, formaldehyde, lead, radon, smoke particles, pet dander, dust, dust mite particles, PBDEs, and VOCs. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are chemicals that are added to certain manufactured products (such as furniture foam padding, carpet/rugs, and draperies) to reduce the chances that they will catch on fire. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals in paints, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, permanent markers, pesticides, glues and adhesives, etc.
We selected the Air Doctor devices for our bedrooms and living areas. The most amazing thing about the Air Doctor is that it seems to detect harmful chemicals; when it runs on the “auto” setting, it shifts into high gear when we open windows or burn something on the stove. It really seems to detect and filter out air invaders.
AIR QUALITY IDEAS
Air out your bedroom by opening windows on cool, breezy days.
Be sure your “circulating air button” is always ON inside your car.
Buy indoor plants, as they may reduce pollutant levels (particularly formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32170619/
Walk outside each day to breathe in fresh air.
CAUSES OF INDOOR POLLUTION
Heating fuel such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, or wood.
New furniture and carpeting.
Insecticides and other toxic chemicals.
Artificial candles and other scented chemicals.
Vapors coming from compact fluorescent and LED bulbs.
WATER quality
I definitely went a little overboard, and I now have several water filters. I have always had a whole house carbon filter to purify all of the water in our home: for drinking, showering, dishwashing, and laundry. Reverse osmosis or distilled water is recommended when fasting or detoxing. I also have a couple of water filters for traveling. Visit the Hydrate page for a list of all water filters.
BATHROOM
Most of what you have in the bathroom are personal care products, but remember to also include healthier soap, towels, etc. Visit the Julie’s Online Favorites page for a list of all bathroom items.
BEDROOM
We spend a lot of our lives in our beds, so I invested in a healthier mattress and a bed base that allows me to raise my head and feet. Be sure to visit a store so you can lie on the mattress and make sure it is comfortable. Comfort is very important for sleep quality!
Mattresses are typically made from synthetic materials including dyes, flame retardants, polyurethane, and harmful compounds, such as formaldehyde. If you can’t afford a new mattress, purchase an organic mattress cover. Visit the Julie’s Online Favorites page for all bedding options.
CLOSET
It wasn't necessary to give away all of my clothing that was made from toxic materials, since they don’t necessarily cause cancer. Even still, I love the feel of non-toxic materials on my body, so I buy all-natural clothing. I also support companies that use healthier materials like Fisher’s Finery, Pact, or Truth Alone. There are also several designers that use healthier materials. I read labels on clothing now, just like I do on food.
CHOICE OF MATERIALS
I studied several sources to learn about the best and worst materials.
BEST: bamboo; cashmere; 100% organic cotton; cupro; flax; hemp; jute; linen; leather; lyocell; modal; non-dyed; pina fiber (from pineapple leaves); ramie; seaweed; silk; tencel; and wool.
WORST: acetate; terylene; triacetate; acrylic; dacron; elastane; lycra; nylon; polyester; rayon; static-resistant; synthetic; wrinkle-free; and spandex.
My Experience: Although I have a few items that fall into the worst category, most of my clothing now is made from the best materials.
HEALTHIER PRACTICES
Wear loose clothing whenever possible.
Tight clothing, including bras, reduces circulation in the lymphatic system. (I’m honestly so glad there’s no need for me to wear a bra any longer. I rarely wear tight clothing, except while I’m exercising.)
Here is an example of a bra that is made from healthier material.
We bought rubber mattresses with organic cotton covers.
All of my beautiful clothes stacked up and ready to give away! I definitely went a little overboard, which I attribute to going through the stages of grief. :)
KITCHEN
The kitchen was one of the first places I began my detox efforts by eliminating plastic and other toxic materials. I have a pretty small kitchen, so I had to choose a few functional appliances wisely. In addition to my blender, my favorite appliance is the Aroma Rice Cooker(1 .2-quart (6-cup) You are going to love this appliance! It makes quinoa or rice perfectly each time and keeps it warm until we are ready to eat it! It is also small enough for traveling. You can even throw some greens on top after the rice cooks, and your meal is done.
When I did a water fast at TrueNorth Health Center, I learned that convection ovens are ideal for healthier cooking. I have a convection oven and I love it! I use it for baking, roasting, and warming up food. I have learned that I don’t need a microwave, so we got rid of ours. It’s okay to use a microwave, so don’t panic if that’s easier for you.
I added glass dishes and containers, bought all-natural baking and cookware, and even replaced my dish towels. I went a little crazy, but then I learned more and I eased up — adding back in a few plastic lids to make life convenient. Since they didn’t touch the food, I didn’t worry as much.
Although detoxing and rebuilding my kitchen made me feel better, the most important change I made was the food in my refrigerator. To assist with this healthy food prep, I designed a kitchen to support our health habits. Check out my tips for setting up your kitchen, prepping food, simple solutions to eating well, my favorite recipes, and organized shopping lists.
Visit The Kitchen Treats page to learn more.
I moved to mostly glass dishes and storage containers. This is our smoothie station.
I love this little rice cooker! It makes perfect brown rice or quinoa and in the last few minutes you can throw greens on top to steam on top of the grain. So simple and nutritious!
MORE FOR THE HOME
CANDLES
I used to burn scented wax candles occasionally in our home. Even though they were 100% natural soy wax, scents like this did not work during cancer treatment. Any scent caused more nausea for Joel, so I switched to battery-operated candles. I ended up loving the look and feel! Now, every evening my candles (on timers) turn on — it’s so calming!
Cleaning Products
There are so many wonderful choices for non-toxic cleaners. Sign up for EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning to find the highest-rated, non-toxic cleaning products. Here is a great article about 3 DIY all-purpose cleaners that actually work, using common household ingredients. https://www.insider.com/guides/home/homemade-all-purpose-cleaners
I use baking soda and distilled, white vinegar. I use cleaning cloths that require only water to clean bathrooms, glass/windows, and stainless steel. These reusable paper towels are also wonderful, and can be used as dish cloths in the kitchen. Living in Florida and dealing with so much moisture, I occasionally use bleach in the showers, and that is when I open the windows and put my air filter on high!
Electromagnetic FIELDS (EMFs)
There is no doubt that there are electromagnetic fields (EMFs) — radio waves, radiation, microwave, and broadcasting. When electrical current flows through an object, it creates an EMF. One of the most significant changes in our environment over the past century is that we are living in a host of energy fields. Scientists really don't know how EMFs are affecting us. Many scientists are convinced that EMFs could be a major cause of disease, but they admit that the evidence so far is "sketchy" and acknowledge there are other contributing factors. Studies of animals have confirmed evidence of some EMF stress, but we don't have solid, long-term studies on harm to humans.
I have no idea if EMFs contributed to my breast cancer, but I sat right next to our wireless router every day as I worked from home. The router sat on my left side, and that’s where my tumor was. I learned that, ideally, the router should be at least 10 feet away from the body and should be turned off while sleeping. To make this easy, I set up holiday timers in our home to automatically turn off smart TVs and WiFi at night.
I keep my phone away from my body as much as possible, and usually use speaker phone. I have also stopped charging my phone next to me at night. In fact, I put my phone in another room while sleeping.
It is believed that EMF protection is necessary to reduce our chronic exposure to EMF radiation that emits from digital devices and screens. For protection and peace of mind, I bought numerous items to mitigate EMFs:
Fanny pack (to carry phone)
Laptop case (for traveling)
Laptop shield (to go under laptop or other electronic device)
Laptop blankets (to put between laptop or other electronic device)
Phone case (be sure to get the right size)
I like a company called Defendershield.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Diffusing essential oils is a simple way to experience the health benefits of essential oil. A diffuser that does not require water is a simpler, more user-friendly way to diffuse. Applying essential oils “neat” (directly to the skin) is not recommended. Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil (almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.) before applying to the skin. Mix one drop essential oil per teaspoon carrier oil and apply to desired area of the body. Avoid using essential oils near sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears, and mouth. Do not apply them to broken, inflamed, or irritated skin.
Next Up...
GUT HEALTH
Detox combined with a good routine of the basic health habits (diet, hydration, exercise, de-stress, and sleep) results in the improvement of many markers — one of which is your gut health, also referred to as the "amazing microbiome."