The Detox Dilemma

Today, I'm re-airing my conversation with Holly Brandenberger. If you have ever searched for anything related to essential oils on Instagram, then you likely have come across her aromatherapy account @thescienceofessentials. Holly is the face behind that account, she is a registered nurse and aromatherapist and is at the cutting edge of essential oils research in a hospital setting. In this interview, you’ll hear from her about the actual science of how essential oils work, what the latest research says about essential oil uses and brain health and pain management and we also dive in to simple ways to use essential oils in your homes, the best oils for hair growth, stress, natural remedies for congestion and kids, sleep, DIY skincare and even the oils short list of oils that Holly could never live without. In this episode, we discuss: why Connect with Holly: @scienceofessentialsblogCourses, Books & Guides Disclaimer: The essential oils industry is not a regulated industry and everything that we discuss in this interview, the benefits associated with oils and the published, medical research only apply to pure essential oils. Fragrance oils, solvent distilled oils and fractionally distilled oils found in grocery stores, on Amazon and budget brands are not the oils that we are talking about. Want to try my favorite essential oils? Order a Starter Bundle of Essentials Oils (use code SHAREYL for 10% off your first order) Studies Mentioned in Episode: Essential Oils and Memory Improvement Lavender is NOT a hormone disruptor head on over to www.detoxyourpits.com and use discount code WENDYKATHRYN at checkout for 10% off! If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Are you someone who suffers from seasonal allergies? Until a few years ago, I thought I had a super power that allowed me to side step allergy season. But after moving to Virginia, seasonal allergies hit me hard. The itchy eyes, sinus pressure, and headache-y feeling is downright miserable. So today, i’m telling you all about the natural remedies that have allowed me to actually enjoy springtime. This is one of my most requested episodes. No one wants to move through Spring like a Zombie because the pollen in the air is making you sick. In this episode, I share my experience dealing with seasonal allergies for the first time after moving across country, my scary experience with Claritin and all the things I've done to relieve my allergies, naturally. Listen for an in-depth explanation of my favorite natural remedies, lifestyle changes and the most effective natural solutions that I have found. Many of my suggestions involve overall lifestyle changes that can help with many aspects of your health. Products mentioned in the episode: Essential Oils for AllergiesOrganic Olivia Allergy Defense Tonic and ProbioticsHylands Allergy If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

In this episode, we're chatting about: Follow @aizome_textiles on Insta Purchase Aizome sheets here. get 10% off with code WENDY10 If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

You know that chemical smell that a new mattress expells right out of the packaging? Their is a prevailing belief that the chemicals you’re smelling just need time to off-gas. Today, I’m busting that myth! And don’t worry if you believe this, I used to believe it too! But what you’re smelling are VOCs A.K.A - Volatile organic compounds. We’ll be diving into studies that have been done on off-gassing. Turns out, these chemicals stay in your mattress. It doesn’t matter how much time you give them to “off-gas.” So what’s the solution? How can we make sure that we’re not up close and personal with harmful chemicals every night? Personally, I buy VOC free mattresses. Currently, there are only two certifications that can guarantee your mattress doesn’t contain VOCs. I’m going into the specifics of each certification and some of my favorite mattress brands to look out for. So, next time you’re in the market for a new mattress, make sure to tune into this episode! In this episode, we’re chatting about: Shop these 2 Toxin Free Favorites Happsy NaturepedicIf you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

I don't know about you, but hot tea is a non-negotiable, daily ritual for me. Herbal tea has so many natural benefits. Unfortunately, if you're using disposable tea bags, this habit could be doing you more harm than good. And look, I've been there. I tried to stick to "plastic-free" tea bags for a long time. The prevailing idea that loose leaf tea was a hassle held me back from ditching them all together. But after a bit of research, I will never go back to using tea bags and I'll tell you why in this episode! It doesn't matter whether your tea bags are created from nylon, hemp, plastic or paper - there are toxins leaking into your cup of tea. And no, it's not just coming from contaminated water. A single tea bag can release 11.6 BILLION microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into your cup of tea. And if you're microwaving the tea once it get's cold? Those microplastics increase. That's why I've made the switch the loose leaf tea! I actually love the ritual of it and don't find it to be inconvenient at all. If you're having a hard time with the switch, stick around until the end where I'm giving you all of my personal favorite tea products! I'm currently drinking: Organic Olivia's Open Heart Tea Shop my Loose Leaf Tea Amazon Shop for my top picks for tea, kettles, gadgets If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Can red light therapy actually improve your eyesight? Every time I post about my red light mask, I get tons of comments telling me to close my eyes. And I totally understand! It’s unexpected to see someone with their eyes open during the treatment. But stick with me… I actually learned about red light therapy for improved eyesight when my naturopath told me she needed a new prescription. I assumed her eyesight was getting worse! Because trust me, I know what it’s like to see that 20 20 vision suddenly turn into blurry ingredient lists. But she surprised me by saying it had improved! And of course, that sent me down a whole research rabbit hole. So whether you’ve always struggled with poor eyesight or you’re like me and your eyesight has worsened over time, the research in today’s episode may interest you! Tune into episode 36 for the full rundown on how red light therapy can improve your thyroid function. But today, it’s all about our eye sight! Studies actually go back to 2000 showing the benefits of red light therapy for things like glaucoma, retinopathy, and even lazy eye. MY FAVORITE RED LIGHTS: Get 40% off the LUMEBOX handheld red light Get 15% off the BonCharge Red Light panels w/ code WENDYKATHRYN In this episode, we’re chatting about: 2021 studyin the morningIf you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

What happens when you take a dream of homesteading and turn it into a farm that feeds a whole community (and makes their skin shine)? You get Willow Moon Farm! Today we're in for a treat because my friend Sarah, founder of Willow Moon Farm, is joining us for her first ever podcast feature! I was so excited to chat with Sarah because I personally love her skincare products. Trust me, we could have spent an entire episode chatting just about the tallow! Sarah set off on her own health journey after facing a personal loss that she didn't want to see her own child go through. Like many of us, pregnancy awakened a new sense of responsibility to find the best ingredients possible. Her products showcase the philosophy that what we put on our bodies should be as natural as what we put in them. Sarah’s breaking down her farm-made remedies and bringing us behind the scenes. Balancing a slow production ethos with customer demand isn't easy, but Sarah's pre-order strategy and meticulous attention to detail guarantee that her top-tier tallow offerings are worth the wait. Sarah's family business also provides my family with some of the best meat ever (shoutout to the Kune Kune Pigs!). Every aspect of Sarah's lifestyle is infused with a commitment to regeneration—of the land, the animals, and the products they produce. It's not just about skincare; it's about a connection to the earth and creating a legacy of health and sustainability for future generations. Get 10% off Willow Moon Skincare with code WENDY10 Read the shownotes In this episode, we're chatting about: head on over to www.detoxyourpits.com and use discount code WENDYKATHRYN at checkout for 10% off! If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Want to become a label reading pro? Join Toxin Free in 3 How clean are “Clean at Sephora” products? A curious, savvy listener submitted this question and I thought it was great! Sephora is vocal about the long list of products they don’t allow in this line. But today, we’re diving into the question of whether or not their are any concerning ingredients that they do allow. This episode isn’t simply going to take you through each every ingredient on the product list. You’re actually going to walk away with a three step hack that you can use when looking at Sephora’s product labels. Right out of the gate, I will say that I personally do not buy Clean at Sephora products. I have a list of 25 ingredients on my avoid list and clean at Sephora products allow 7 of them. If you’d like to learn more about how to read labels, what ingredients to avoid, and why - head over to Toxin Free in 3. But today, we’re actually not going to be doing a deep dive into these ingredients. 3 things to look for to determine whether or not something is clean: Read the shownotes here. If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Imagine slashing your risk of breast cancer by a staggering 73% in just 28 days. Sounds like a dream? It can actually be reality. Today we're dissecting a pioneering study that could redefine breast cancer prevention. Selecting clean personal care products free from parabens and phthalates isn't just an act of self-care but a revolutionary step towards safeguarding your health. This episode isn't just a discussion; it's a moment of true empowerment. I know sometimes I hear that the information I'm relaying is stressful to hear. "Everything is toxic so I'd rather just not know about it" is a common mindset I come across. But if you skip on any of my episodes because the information stressed you out, I hope you will tune into this one. Because this information, to me, is the opposite of stressful. It's truly empowering to know, that with a few simple lifestyle changes, we can dramatically reduce our risk of breast cancer. We'll explore the intricate details of how specific ingredients can alter your risk profile and what it means for future regulations. Welcome to a conversation that could very well change the course of your life. Ready to ditch the toxins? Enrollment is open for Toxin Free in 3. Read the show notes here. If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Imagine loving the world of fragrance so much, landing your dream job in the industry, only to find it was keeping you sick. For Sada and Amanda, that's exactly what happened. Luckily, they didn't have to leave their passions in the dust. The fragrance industry has often been shrouded in mystery. But today, we have a unique opportunity to take a peak behind the curtain. We're dissecting the ambiguous claims of "safe synthetics," and questioning the effectiveness of self-regulatory bodies like IFRA. ESAS Beauty's products don't just smell divine, they also last. And in the world of fragrance, where we're always told synthetics are absolutely necessary for long lasting scents, that is huge. I'm so excited to take you behind the scenes so chat with Seda and Amanda about the revolutionary changes they're bringing to the business of fragrance! Shop ESAS Beauty (use code WENDY20 to save 20% off) head on over to www.detoxyourpits.com and use discount code WENDYKATHRYN at checkout for 10% off! If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Ingredient apps seem like a miracle no-brainer in today's world where toxins are hiding nearly everywhere. You're telling me I can simply pull up an app, search what I want and immediately get a 'yes' or 'no'? Clean? Not clean? Sign me up! Or...not. Here's the thing - I love what these apps stand for and the direction they're taking consumers. But, unfortunately it's not so cut and dry and these apps aren’t as accurate as you think. I’m giving 5 reasons (using examples) to use these apps with caution. At the end of the day, I want all of you to feel empowered enough to make your own judgements about the products in your house. Relying on an app to give you the green light means you are relying on whether the creators of the app think something is safe or not. That's exactly why 'Toxin Free in 3', exists! Together, we'll go through the 25 ingredients to avoid and why, all while crafting a personalized standard of 'clean'. GET ON THE WAITLIST READ THE SHOWNOTES If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

If you don't have a Stanley cup, you've definitely seen them online. They're all the rage for everyone from pre-teens to housewives. But the brand recently came under fire in a heated debate over lead exposure. Not only has Stanley been caught in a social media outrage, it's also attracted a class action lawsuit out of California. I recently made a reel addressing my thoughts on the subject and quickly took it down because the response was so contentious. Look, lead poisoning is no joke. But in my opinion, the outrage is misplaced. I'm laying out the facts of the case against Stanley cups and why I'm keeping my Stanley cup. While I understand people's concern, I really urge people to do their own research and come to their own conclusions when they see online outrage. I'm breaking down the case and why this blew up online. But more importantly, we're going to explore the biggest factors that increase your risk of lead exposure. And I promise you, it has more to do with the water itself than the container you put the water in. We're celebrating the strides made since the 70s, when lead exposure ran rampant. But it's still an ongoing battle, so let's arm ourselves with the tools needed to avoid this persistent toxin. I'll share why no amount of lead is considered safe, the cognitive consequences of exposure and with practical tips on water filtration and high risk foods, you'll know how to limit your lead exposure. head on over to www.detoxyourpits.com and use discount code WENDYKATHRYN at checkout for 10% off! If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Today is National Breast Implant Illness Awareness Day. If you don't personally have breast implants, you definitely know someone that does and unfortunately, stories of women being properly informed of the risks before surgery are few and far between. I'm welcoming two remarkable women, Robin and Amanda, who generously share their own stories of facing breast implant illness. Robin—a determined patient advocate and breast cancer survivor—dives into her complex battle with breast implant illness and her triumph in shaping Arizona's legislation for informed consent. Amanda, known as The Holistic Beauty Coach, recounts her own health struggles and the rejuvenation she experienced post-explant surgery. They're candid in illuminating the mostly ignored symptoms associated with breast implants. This is a conversation about transparency and patient autonomy in medical decisions. Unfortunately, the truth about Breast Implant Illness has been deliberately concealed for years. Breast implants introduce all sorts of chemicals into the body, from heavy metals to siloxanes to acetone - it's basically a bag of chemicals that leak into the body. But financial conflicts of interest skew narratives in the medical community. So while the FDA may be slow to respond, the information is out there. We just have to get it into the right hands so that informed consent is possible. For those contemplating the path to explant surgery, today's guests provide actionable insights and compassionate guidance. My hope is that this episode brings to light to the issue so that less women are suffering in the dark, going from specialist to specialist with symptoms they can't explain. Looking for information and support? GPAC United Website Patient Informed Consent Guide w/ List of Symptoms Breast Implant Ingredients List Report Adverse Effects to FDA head on over to www.detoxyourpits.com and use discount code WENDYKATHRYN at checkout for 10% off! If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Moms are demanding better and companies are starting to listen! I'm honestly pretty happy with a lot of the changes I'm seeing in the world of diapers and baby wipes. Despite the progress, the truth is that no disposable wipe is ever going to be entirely chemical-free. The cleanest option is a non-disposable solution but I know that's not always feasible for parents on the go. So I'm breaking down a concerning trend I'm seeing and how to find baby wipes that you can feel confident will keep your baby safe. There is a concerning trend I'm noticing when it comes to clean brands introducing preservatives that we don't know a whole lot about. It's important to make evidence-based decisions for the well-being of our families and that starts here! Thank you for trusting me on this journey to a cleaner, safer home for our little ones. Shop Baby Wipes on the Toxin Free Shopping Guide Get the Shownotes If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

This may be my most controversial take to date on this podcast. But parents - this one if for you. If you're doing everything in your power to lower your baby's exposure to toxins, I need you to tune in to this episode. Too much of the information I'm seeing online regarding diapers is nothing short of fear mongering. And frankly, I'm over it. Today, I'm here to dispel myths and offer clarity on the safety of chlorine-free diapers. Together, we're navigating the misconceptions of total chlorine-free (TCF) and elemental chlorine-free (ECF) options and shedding light on the real risks of dioxin exposure. With a focus on the changes in the diaper industry since the 1990s, I'll reveal why a vigilant eye on meat, dairy, and water quality might be far more critical for your family's health. And I'm not stopping at health risk. As an environmental lawyer, I'm always going to take the environmental footprint into account as well. We'll chat about why some companies are reverting to ECF and why this might not be as controversial as once thought, thanks to recent studies. At the end of the day, you need diapers that WORK, don't break the bank and don't keep you up at night worrying. As parents, you have enough to worry about. So it's time to cut through the noise. I'll arm you with strategies for choosing safer diapers with my “Toxin Free Shopping Guide,” and share practical tips for reducing chemical exposure at home. So tune in, as we embrace the facts, release the fear, and take confident steps towards a less toxic lifestyle for your precious little ones. Shop my top pick for low tox diapers Read the shownotes If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

CBD still feels a bit taboo in some circles. Even as CBD has become more mainstream, a lot of people still immediately associate it with weed. But today, we're joined by Scott Schwab, co-founder and co-CEO of Mett Naturals, the very first CBD company that I'm ready to stand behind. I've had plenty of CBD companies who want to work with me in my inbox the past year, but most of them are all pretty much doing the same thing. They aren’t growing their plants in good soil quality soil, even the organic companies are using some form of pesticides, they aren’t hanging their hemp out to dry to keep it from molding and they are using solvents to extract the CBD. While CBD has some amazing qualities, if it’s a poor quality plant, grown in poor quality soil and it’s contaminated with pesticides, mold and solvents… then it can potentially do you more harm than good. That's why I was so excited to find Mett Naturals. They're disrupting things in the CBD industry and you all know I love a company that's willing to go against the grain! CBD has transformative effects on health and agriculture and Scott learned this after battling a health condition himself. The only respite from his pain? CBD. He quickly became obsessed with the power of CBD for neuropathy pain management. Together, we navigate through the often misunderstood distinctions between CBD and THC, along with the groundbreaking research that suggests CBD's potential in supporting the immune system against respiratory viruses. We explore how CBD interacts with the body's receptors, potentially alleviating stress, improving sleep, and managing pain. If you've ever tried CBD and thought "this isn't doing anything for me," listen to this episode. And if you've been too afraid to try - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the science of CBD. High-quality, plant-based products like hemp have life-altering potential. By the end of our chat with Scott, you'll come away with a richer understanding of how regenerative farming methods not only enhance the quality of CBD but also contribute to a more sustainable planet. A healthier you and a greener earth might just begin with that next bottle of CBD oil—provided it's the real deal. Get *10% off Mett Naturals CBD with code WENDY *this code isn't just for your first order, you can use it on all orders. Read shownotes here head on over to www.detoxyourpits.com and use discount code WENDYKATHRYN at checkout for 10% off! If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Transitioning to non toxic haircare products can be one of the hardest clean living swaps for women. I am sharing all my secrets so you can embrace natural haircare and still love your hair. You'll be left wondering why you didn't do it sooner! Today we are talking about New research Download your free Happy New Hair Ebook Shop the Toxin Free Shopping Guide for Clean Haircare If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

I've been dying my hair for years and I know i'm not alone in that. My own transformation from a bright blonde devotee to a cautious consumer was a long time coming. For years, I've generally known that hair dye wasn't great for me. But getting specific with the research has finally motivated me to throw in the towel. In this episode, we'll talk about common ingredients in permanent hair dyes that could be compromising not just the luster of your locks, but your health as well. From brittle strands to alarming cancer studies to safer ways to get the color you want and the knowledge to choose wisely... this episode is about informed consent when it comes to your health. If you're not ready to give up hair dye, no one is judging you. As a bonus, my free ebook "Happy New Hair," is out now! Learn what the most common causes of hair thinning and loss are, what ingredients in your haircare routine aren't doing you any favors, cleaner haircare options and natural ways to grow your hair out. SHOP MY TOP PICKS FOR CLEANER HAIR DYE If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

How did your wellness goals go in 2023? Did you stick to them, or maybe like me, you've got some work to do in 2024? 2023 was a strong year for creating new wellness habits! Sure, I didn't stick to every single thing but I made some serious strides. So today we're taking some time to reflect on the progress we've made. That celebration will lay strong foundations for 2024! From finally locking down a nighttime routine that has resulted in great sleep to kicking moldly coffee, I've tackled some long time goals this year. My secrets? A blend of morning sunlight, disciplined bedtimes, and a toolkit of sleep aids like magnesium spray and blue light blockers. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. I even hired a macro coach and I feel more empowered with my diet than ever. In the New Year, I’m not subscribing to huge goals without self-compassion. I know that creating new habits is a small step every single day. Here's what we're looking at for 2024: the end of my hair highlighting era (!), an emphasis on gut health, and re-establishing my morning routine! What are you up to in 2024, friend? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Atomic Habits by James Clear 15% off Bon Charge Blue Light Blocking Biohacking (code WENDYKATHRYN) Episode on Macro Nutrition Coaching (Ep. 33) Episode on Mold Free Coffee (Ep. 43) Free Happy New Hair Ebook Waitlist Tiny Health At Home Gut Test If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.

Ever wondered what's really lurking behind the term "natural flavors" on your favorite snack labels? Today we're sitting down with Ashley, the founder of B.T.R Nation who is leading the way for a new food industry that rejects natural flavors. She's a shining example of a leader that puts people over profit. After being the primary caretaker for both of her parents as they battled cancer, Ashley set out on a mission to clean up our snack options. Even in the hospital, she found low quality snacks that helped keep the patients eating but that's about all they helped with. The idea for B.T.R Nation came through her experiments to find a healthy alternative for her parents. We're doing a deep dive into BTR Nation's ethos and the obstacles faced by a brand championing real, earth-grown ingredients in a market saturated with ultra-processed alternatives. The level of transparency in the food industry often feels as clear as mud, especially when it comes to flavoring. It reminds me a lot of the fragrance industry with their unclear, deceptive labels. In this episode, we're chatting about: SHOP B.T.R. SUPERFOODSNACKS and use code WENDYKATHRYN for 15% off Follow Ashley on Instagram head on over to www.detoxyourpits.com and use discount code WENDYKATHRYN at checkout for 10% off! If you enjoyed this weeks' episode, please: Toxin Free Shopping GuideTossing the Toxins Guide@wendy_toxinfreeishhere.