DIY Dry Shampoo that works better than Batiste- reduce toxins for fertility!

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact our daily choices can have on our overall health and well-being. From the food we eat to the products we use, the toxins present in our environment can play a significant role in various aspects of our lives, including fertility. Let's look at the importance of avoiding toxins and making conscious choices, particularly in the context of fertility. As we delve into this topic, I'll also share some personal experiences and practical swaps that can contribute to reducing exposure to harmful substances.

Understanding the Link Between Toxins and Fertility:

Research has shown a connection between exposure to certain toxins and adverse effects on reproductive health. Environmental toxins, found in everyday products, can disrupt hormonal balance, impact sperm quality, and contribute to fertility issues in both men and women. By knowing some of the  sources of these toxins and adopting healthier alternatives, you too can take proactive steps to safeguard your fertility and overall health.

The Philosophy of Moderation and Reduction:

While the concept of "everything in moderation" has its merits, there is wisdom in actively reducing exposure to known harmful substances. This approach aligns with the idea that prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to matters as delicate as fertility and the well-being of future generations. And that is particularly true as to why I started my business. Rather than jumping straight into IVF, I want people to know they are doing everything they can to improve their chances of getting pregnant and having the family they want without all the additional medication and treatment. For many of my clients, if you start to tweak a little of this and a little of that, supplement where you NEED it, then they can get pregnant on their own. Which is my goal for each of my clients. However, some of my clients need IVF or IUI for whatever reason. However, those reproductive treatments are not guaranteed to be successful. Your body needs proper regulation to have a successful IUI and egg retrieval and then also needs to be prepared for an embryo transfer. So, you need to be adamant about keeping your body in shape for fertility during this process to get more high-quality eggs and improve your chances of getting pregnant and staying pregnant.

Now let me also mention, I am a little but what people call, “woo woo.” I have always been interested in being pretty healthy. My family thought it was weird when I came home from nursing school eating quinoa, and polenta, and loving blue cheese. I grew up in a family that did taco bars, chicken and 2 sides, and casseroles. We lived in a country where there were no restaurants. Not even pizza places to deliver. My mom would buy hummus and burn incense which was my first exposure to anything out of the Georgia norm. We would go to Whole Foods once a year (located an hour away) to buy my late grandfather some fancy cheese and crackers, so maybe that is what began my curiosity for food and flavor. I loved looking at all the colorful and foreign (to me) fruits, vegetables, soups, etc. I could spend the day there. So when I began cooking on my own and did not care for lean cuisine and frozen pizza all the time, I suppose that is what began my curiosity. As I have traveled, I always love to visit grocery stores in different countries. I love trying new flavors, textures, and spices. Now that being said, I love a diet Coke from a fountain, and I love pizza and cheese dip. I love pumpkin spice candles. I love incense and essential oils.  And wine. And lots of things that are not deemed, “good for you.” I am not picky about water, I have never felt like one brand of water tastes any different than the next. I don't recycle or compost. Even though I wish I did both. I am not patient enough to garden. I cannot keep a plant alive. But I have started paying attention to some of the things that we have learned over time that are not serving our health. As I learn about this, I do my best to make realistic swaps when I can but without forbidding anything. 

Personal Journey: Swapping Traditional Products for Healthier Alternatives:

In the pursuit of a reduced toxin lifestyle (because I cannot be toxin-free- and don’t believe anyone can) individuals often discover that some of their favorite products may not align with their commitment to overall health. So what I have chosen to do is 1. Try to limit my exposure when I can without forfeiting my quality of life or hair. 2. Increase the amount of antioxidants and good things in my body to help counteract the negative and toxic effects of other things in my environment and diet. Matt and I have decided to try being WAY more plant-based. I’m never saying anything, but we are making a choice to incorporate mostly fruit and vegetables and minimizing our nonfresh (i.e. bakery) bread, meats, and fish, and also cutting back on dairy. 

The Dry Shampoo Dilemma: Cornstarch as a Safer Alternative:

• I have been a dry shampoo addict since 2008. My favorite brands are Batiste and Living Proof. I love it. LOVE. But some of the additives I found out can cause cancer with too much use. And I am definitely in the category of excessive. 
•  I swapped it with cornstarch. I know, you would not believe this - but it works BETTER. I know, I know. There is no way. And, there is a catch. You have to use it at night. You have to get it in there before the grease builds up overnight. You can still use it in the AM, but it works farr abtter if you let it set overnight. So I still have a can of my go-to Bastiste- but I use it FAR less than before. 
• What I do is pour out some cornstarch and add my perfume oil. I mix it and leave it out overnight to let the oils absorb and dry out. Then I use a funnel to get it into a  powder applicator that I got from Amazon. 
• The hard part is that I cant travel with it because the applicator doesn't have a lid. But the good news is with 2 small kids- I rarely leave home for travel and usually wash my hair daily while gone. I could buy a different one with a lid but just haven't due to lack of need. 
• Beyond Chapsticks: Petroleum Jelly for Lip  & Skin Health: 

• Common lip care products often contain alcohol, which can lead to lip dryness and dependence on chapsticks. You know those friends who have chapstick for every room, bag, car, etc. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. YOu need the chapstick because you use the chapstick and it's a vicious cycle. Joking- but for real. 
• SWAP - use petroleum jelly as a safer, moisturizing alternative for maintaining lip health. It works as a chapstick and slather that stuff on at night to lock in moisture
• TIP* chapped lips can be a sign of dehydration. Chug some water and lather on Vaseline to help fix it
• Also, this is great for scrapes, cuts, burns, and dry skin. Reach for this over Neosporin. You can use it a lot! And it's old and trusted. 
• My grandmother has the most beautiful skin- and has never used anything but dove and Vaseline. And never laid in the sun. But it's a trusted product.
• I know some are against using petroleum, but there is no evidence that this will negatively affect your health. 

• Cleaning Up Cleaning Products: Vinegar and Baking Soda for a Safer Home: 

• Swapping harsh cleaners for a simple yet effective combination of vinegar and baking soda.
• Practical applications, such as cleaning bottles, cups, disposals, and stainless steel cookware, showcase the versatility of this toxin-free cleaning method.
• This also works well on your stainless steel that has burn particles and oil
• Vinegar REMOVES bad smells. Think a curdled bottle that has had milk under the seat in the hot car for WEEKS- smell removed. 
• I let it soak for 12-24 hours, then clean it well with soap & water. Voila- another cup saved! 
• From Candles to Essential Oils: Prioritizing Air Quality:
• The transition from traditional candles to an essential oil vaporizer for a healthier indoor environment.
• I didn't like my water oil diffusers- they smelled like urine after a while and never gave me the STRONG smell I wanted 
• I still get a pumpkin spice and fir balsam candle for the season, but I don't burn it all year long anymore. 

In the journey toward fertility and overall well-being, the choices we make in our daily lives matter. And it adds up. By being mindful of the products we use and making intentional swaps, we can create a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations. From the seemingly small changes, such as switching to homemade dry shampoo, to more significant shifts in cleaning and air care routines, each step contributes to reducing our exposure to toxins. In embracing this lifestyle, we not only nurture our fertility but also cultivate a foundation for a healthier and more sustainable future.