Last week in part 1, I discussed detoxifying your home to balance your hormones. In case you missed it, you can check it out here. Today, in part 2, I’ll dive into detoxifying your personal care routine for hormone health. This holistic approach allows you to optimize your overall health and well-being.
Understanding the Impact:
The following habits play a significant role in balancing your hormones.
- Cleaning habits (products you use).
- Personal care habits (products you put on your body).
- Nutrition
- Lifestyle choices, as you age, it gets increasingly important to pay attention to the chemical burden you are placing on your body.
I know it can be scary and overwhelming. However, implementing this easy 4-step process allows you to make more conscious choices that help maintain optimal hormonal function. Remember to start small and build.
4 Step Process to Balance Your Hormones:
Step 1: Take Inventory
First take a look at what you use on your body on a regular basis. Next, make a list of the items you would like to replace. I suggest looking in your showers, medicine cabinets, and bathroom counters, drawers and cabinets for culprits. Remember, this is a process, do your best not to get overwhelmed. You don’t have to do it all at once, although you can if you feel motivated to do so.
Step 2: Research Personal Care Detox
Set aside some time in the near future, say 30-60 minutes to explore www.EWG.org to understand the biggest risks based on what you currently use for personal care products. Get rid of the worst culprits first. Next, determine to phase the rest out over a set timeframe, say within the next 6 months to 1 year. Then, re-evaluate every couple of years to make sure you are making the best choices for your changing needs.
Step 3: Find Alternatives
Alternatively, there are lots of green personal care products out there to choose from but be aware and do your research. I rely on the EWG app, Norwex (surprise, Norwex sells much more than microfiber cloths) and recommendations from friends with similar skin types and hair care needs. Personal care products are much more individual than cleaners so it may take some trial and error to find just the right combination for your unique needs. Be patient. There are also many DIY recipes to keep costs down if you have the time and energy. Ultimately, you have to do what works best for you or you won’t stick with it.
Step 4: Phase Out
Begin to phase out your products slowly so it’s not overwhelming. Of course, the faster you get through it, the quicker the burden on your body is lifted, but I understand that may not be realistic. Begin the phase out process by eliminating 1-2 products. Then aim to replace something each time you run out of the more toxic version until you’ve completed a full personal care product detox.
Detoxifying your personal care products is an essential step towards improving hormonal balance and overall health. By eliminating hormone disruptors from your product choices and opting for natural alternatives, you can create safer habits for you and your family.
Balance Your Hormones Through Lifestyle Changes:
In addition to detoxifying your home and personal care products there are other lifestyle changes that impact hormone balance. Stress, sleep habits, nutrition, and physical activity all have a hand in regulating how your hormones function. So, if the going through all your products to find healthier versions seems daunting to you, start here.
Stress management:
Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and contribute to imbalances. Incorporating regular stress reducing practices such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature help promote relaxation and hormonal harmony. Make it a point to add one or more of these practices to your daily/weekly schedule.
Prioritizing Sleep Quality:
Quality sleep is another essential component for hormone regulation. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night and establish a consistent sleep schedule to support your body’s natural circadian rhythms. If this isn’t happening for you, evaluate your bedtime routine and root cause for your sleep disruption.
Physical Activity:
Regular exercise helps to regulate hormones, improve mood, and support overall health. Incorporating a diverse mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises into your routine will help you reap the benefits of a balanced exercise regimen. If you need some help in this area don’t hesitate to set up a free consultation here.
Nutrition:
Focus on consuming a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and artificial additives, which can contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Detoxifying your body through these lifestyle changes is a holistic approach to supporting hormonal balance and optimal health. By supporting your body in the ways mentioned above, you can create an environment conducive to hormonal harmony. Incorporate these strategies into your daily routine to promote long-term well-being and vitality. Remember, achieving hormonal balance is a journey, and small changes can add up to make a big difference!
Speaking of hormone health, if you are struggling and need some support through your menopause journey check out my 6-week Menopause Mastery Challenge (MMC). The next session begins on Monday April 1st. In the meantime, you may be interested in this blog post all about getting Fit after 40. Enjoy and happy spring!
Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
