How to Reduce Your Toxic Load: Simple Steps to Support Your Hormones and Metabolism
When I first started learning about the toxic chemicals in everyday products, I felt two things: overwhelmed and a little panicked.
I was already doing my best to eat healthy and manage stress. But I hadn’t considered how my laundry detergent, skincare, or even my favourite scented candles were adding to my body’s burden.
Here’s what I’ve learned since: your body is designed to detoxify naturally. Your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system work 24/7 to process and eliminate toxins. But when the load becomes too heavy—thanks to modern environments filled with synthetic chemicals—your system can get overwhelmed.
This is especially important for women in perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal changes can make us more sensitive to external stressors, including environmental toxins. And when your detox pathways are sluggish, you might notice symptoms like:
Fatigue or brain fog
Skin breakouts or rashes
Bloating and sluggish digestion
Irregular or heavy periods
Trouble losing weight despite doing “everything right”
The good news? You don’t have to live in a bubble to make an impact. Small, consistent changes can lower your toxic load and give your body room to thrive.
Why Reducing Toxins Matters for Hormones
Your liver isn’t just a detox organ—it’s also critical for hormone balance. It helps break down and eliminate estrogen and other hormone metabolites. When your liver is overburdened, estrogen can recirculate in the body, leading to symptoms of estrogen dominance like PMS, mood swings, and stubborn belly fat.
By reducing your exposure to toxins, you lighten the load on your liver and allow your hormones to rebalance more effectively.
Simple Steps to Start Reducing Your Toxic Load
1. Swap out synthetic fragrances
Air fresheners, candles, and dryer sheets are some of the biggest sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in our homes. These can irritate the lungs and act as endocrine disruptors.
Try diffusing essential oils instead. A few drops of lavender or lemon in a diffuser can create a fresh, inviting atmosphere without adding harmful chemicals to your air.
2. Rethink your cleaning products
Many conventional cleaners contain ammonia, chlorine, and other irritants. As you run out of products, replace them with safer alternatives—or make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus for natural antibacterial properties.
3. Check your personal care items
Parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes are common in lotions, makeup, and hair products. Use tools like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database to find cleaner options.
4. Filter your water
Tap water can contain chlorine, fluoride, and other contaminants. Investing in a quality water filter can reduce your exposure and support overall health.
5. Eat more whole foods
Highly processed foods often contain additives, preservatives, and residues from pesticides. Focus on whole, minimally processed foods and wash produce thoroughly (or choose organic for the Dirty Dozen if your budget allows).
A Gentle Reminder: It’s Not About Perfection
Reducing your toxic load isn’t about fear or doing everything at once. It’s about making progress. Each swap you make lightens the load on your body and supports your metabolism, hormones, and energy.
Start small. One product, one room, one habit at a time. Over time, these shifts add up in powerful ways.
Want more guidance on how to create a toxin-reduced lifestyle? Inside The Nourished Collective, I teach women how to simplify the process and focus on the changes that make the biggest difference in midlife.