Awaken Your Path: A Journey Through Spiritual Healing & Plant-Based Living
Toxins
Environmental Toxins: The Hidden Threats Around Us
I’ve been learning more about how much invisible stuff we’re surrounded by every day, like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and organophosphates. These chemicals can quietly affect our health and the health of other living things, often long before we notice any symptoms. It’s tricky because without regular testing, it’s hard to know just how much we’re exposed to.
Some common toxins we encounter include:
Parabens, often found in some women's cosmetics, which have been linked to hormone disruption
Herbicides like glyphosate (a main ingredient in Roundup), dicamba, paraquat and a few others are commonly used herbicides in the US today. They are used in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, including residential lawns. They have been linked to cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Mold toxins that hide in homes, especially after flooding, and can cause serious health problems over time
Lead, which can leach into drinking water from old pipes and dishware
Microplastics and nanoplastics, which enter our food through fish, seafood and food packaging, potentially disrupting our nervous system and increasing risks for things like cancer
What worries me just as much is the growing research showing air pollution’s impact on mental and physical health, including anxiety, brain fog, muscle weakness, and even lowered IQ scores. There is also some evidence linking toxins to autism, which really highlights how complex and serious these issues are.
While organic foods can sometimes be pricey, there are simple ways to reduce chemical exposure from conventional produce. For example, washing fruits and vegetables in a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda per gallon of water can help remove some pesticide residues. I found this tip really practical and worth trying. (Food Revolution Network has a great guide on this.)
Water filtration is another key step. We started using a Berkey filter in 2024, filling it daily and pouring the filtered water into glass bottles. This way, we avoid plastic bottles and reduce microplastic exposure. It’s a small change, but it feels meaningful.
Supporting the body’s natural detox through exercise and sauna sessions has also become part of our routine. Sweating can help flush out some of these unwanted substances, which feels good both physically and mentally.
Microplastics are one of the more hidden dangers. These tiny particles can actually enter our cells and tissues, carrying with them chemicals that disrupt hormones and may increase cancer risks. It’s unsettling to realize how deeply these toxins can affect us.
Living near polluted water bodies has been linked to higher risks of diseases like type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart problems. Chemicals used in plastic production have also been connected to skin and respiratory issues, and long-term health complications.
All of this is a reminder to be mindful of what we’re exposed to every day. Even small amounts of toxins can build up over time, quietly affecting our health. But by making small, thoughtful changes such as filtering water, washing produce, or moving our bodies, we can reduce the load and support better health over time.
Read more about microplastics in this June 2025 CNN article https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/health/microplastic-harm-us-coastline-wellness
Learn more at EWG about toxicity in Food & Water, Farming & Agriculture, Personal Care Products, Household & Consumer Products, Energy sources, etc., where you can search for any chemical.
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