Home Free Building Biology (2025)

01/10/2025

There’s a lot of buzz around about harmful toxins in plastics, the air we breathe, the water we drink, & the things we buy & use every day - & if you’re reading this, I guess you’re tuned into these issues.

When we think about the exposures that face us every day, a natural reflex might be to think, “A little bit isn’t going to hurt, right?”

And for the most part, this is true!

But have you considered this…

1. We’re not exposed to a single chemical here & there…

> we’re exposed to dozens of chemicals that have either been shown to cause - or are suspected of causing - harm every single day throughout our entire lives

> the accumulation of these exposures over our lives can contribute to the serious chronic health issues we struggle with

2. Some of these exposures build up in the body

> take PFAS chemicals for example - they accumulate in our tissues because they’re hard to break down and excrete

> and lead, which builds up in our bones, only to be released into our body during pregnancy or as bone breaks down in our older years

3. Some of the chemicals we’re exposed to - specifically endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) - have been shown to cause harm at *extremely* low levels!

> we have a few decades of research into EDCs now, both on animal models & from human epidemiological studies to show that they can harm our health

So what can we do about all of this if we want to support our health?

To start with, we can make choices every day that lower the amount of chemicals we’re exposed to -
and if you’re in the Bath or Bristol area come along to our 1/2 day retreat on Sunday October 19, 1 - 6 pm and learn practical tips, routines and rituals, mindset & motivation ideas to make choosing Low Tox in your home so much easier - DM me for the link to sign up - hope to see you there! M x

References: PMID: 22419778

10/09/2025

Early morning light helps reset your circadian rhythm, boosting energy & supporting your body’s natural detox processes.

Light hits special receptors in your eyes which sends a signal to your brain to boost serotonin & regulate melatonin later for better sleep.

A walk in nature lowers the levels of cortisol, our stress hormone, it balances mood, & gives your cells a healthy oxygen bath. Studies show time in green spaces can also lower blood pressure & inflammation markers.

Even a gentle walk stimulates lymph flow & circulation, helping your body clear waste from your cells.

Just 10–20 minutes can shift your whole day! Can you fit it in? M x

09/09/2025

Time for a kitchen detox?

Creating a healthy kitchen isn’t just about what’s on your plate - it’s also about the tools you use every day.

Some common kitchen items can expose us to harmful chemicals. Because we use them so often, it’s a good idea to slowly start swapping them for safer versions.

The good news is that because more & more people are looking out for their health & wanting safer products, a Low Tox version of almost everything exists - & they’re often not more expensive.

Here’s some easy swaps to get started with:

Buy This: Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Enamelled Cast Iron, or Carbon Steel
Not That: Non-Stick Cookware

> Non-stick pans may be easy to clean, but they’re made with PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”), which are linked to increased cholesterol, hormone disruption, & even cancer
> Scratched non-stick pans can release millions of microplastics into your food
> Cast iron, enamelled cast iron, carbon steel, & stainless steel are durable, safe, & can last a lifetime with proper care

Not sure how to use them? YouTube has thousands of great tutorials!

Buy This: Glass Food Containers
Not That: Plastic Containers

> Plastic containers can leach chemicals like BPA & phthalates, as well as microplastics, into your food, especially when they’re heated or used with acidic or oily foods
> Glass containers are a safer, longer-lasting choice that won’t stain or absorb odours

Buy This: Jars, Frozen, or Dried Foods
Not That: Canned Foods

> Cans are often lined with bisphenols like BPA or BPS, which can leach into food
> When you can, opt for jars, or frozen or dried alternatives

Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection - choose the better option when you can!

Buy This: Wooden or Stainless Steel Utensils
Not That: Plastic Utensils

> Plastic utensils, especially those that melt or wear down, can release harmful chemicals when they’re exposed to heat
> Wooden or stainless steel options are safer, more durable, & a worthwhile upgrade for any kitchen

Which of these have you already swapped out?
Drop your other Low Tox kitchen swaps in the comments & let’s share the ideas and tips! M x

References: PMID: 36030853, PMID: 28847134

07/09/2025

Good gut health can shield you from more than you think…

It seems like you can’t open social media this days without hearing about the gut, the gut microbiome, probiotics, and probiotic-rich foods.

Over the last decade, research into the gut microbiome has EXPLODED!!

But what is the gut microbiome? It’s a collection of literally TRILLIONS of microorganisms that collectively create an ecosystem within your gastrointestinal tract.

There’s good research that suggests that a healthy gut microbiome with the right balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria plays a big role in our overall health & well-being.

It supports our immune health, hormone balance, mental health, and more.

And if you need 1 more reason to support your gut health, I’ve got one!

Emerging research suggests that a healthy and robust (ie diverse) microbiome may actually be protective against some harmful environmental chemicals.

We’re all exposed to hundreds - if not thousands - of harmful chemicals in our daily lives, which can affect our health in many different ways.

Some of these exposures are unavoidable despite our best efforts.

There’s some initial research (in animal models) that has found:

🦠 Lactobacillus probiotics may block lead absorption in mice
🦠 Other strains, like Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei, may protect against BPA, the well-known toxin found in plastics

Of course, we need to replicate these findings in humans to confirm their validity, BUT eating probiotic-rich foods won’t hurt and can only help!

Here are some tips on how to create a healthy gut microbiome:  
✅ Eat a variety of fibre-rich foods
✅ Add fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut
✅ Stay hydrated
✅ Prioritise sleep
✅ Manage stress
✅ Cut back on sugar and processed foods

Do you have a favourite gut-health recipe or way to support your microbiome? Please share in the comments so we can all learn more! M x

 References: PMID: 18540113, PMID: 22684513

03/09/2025

Could cleaning up your home help with endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects nearly 190 million women worldwide — bringing painful periods, pelvic cramping, heavy bleeding, infertility, and more - if you’ve got it, you know this all too well!

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, research suggests that environmental toxins - especially hormone-disrupting chemicals - may play a role.

These chemicals can interfere with our hormones and drive inflammation in the body.

The biggest culprits linked to endometriosis include:
 1️⃣ BPA – in plastics, food can linings & receipts
 2️⃣ Phthalates – in soft plastics & fragranced products (cleaning, personal care, home scents)
 3️⃣ PCBs & Dioxins – in contaminated animal foods like fish, meat & dairy

Here’s the good news: small swaps can make a big difference.

 ✅ Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic & skip receipts when you can
 ✅ Choose fragrance-free cleaners & personal care products
 ✅ Go for leaner cuts of meat & reduce high-fat dairy to limit dioxins/PCBs

Endometriosis management is complex, but reducing toxin exposure is one piece of the puzzle you can control.

If you or someone you love is living with endometriosis, share this with them - knowledge really is power 🤍

PMID: 36436816

01/09/2025

Everyone’s talking about toxins in our homes these days & how they can affect our health…from our toothpaste to our toilet paper, our pots to our pesticides, our candles to our curtains…

You’ve heard the chatter - you want a healthier home & body & you want to make some changes - it’s been on your mind for a while now.

But how? What first? How much??  
Hidden toxins in everyday products – from kitchen spray to face cream – build up over time, quietly impacting your health.

The most powerful first step towards detoxing isn’t another cleanse, supplement, green juice or pricey treatment. 
I take another approach: let’s reduce the amount of toxins you’re exposed to in the first place, then your detox pathways don’t need to work so hard!

And that’s exactly what we’ll help you to achieve.

Join us for Everyday Detox – a nourishing, practical half-day retreat in the beautiful Chew Valley on Saturday, 19 October.
 You’ll learn how to detox your home and support your body’s natural detox systems – without overwhelm, guilt, or expensive routines.

You’ll leave with:

✅ Confidence to spot and ditch harmful chemicals at home ✅ Clarity on how your body naturally detoxes – and how to give it a boost ✅ Calm from gentle movement and the peaceful setting of Folly Farm ✅ Connection with like-minded people who care about clean living ✅ Creativity - you’ll make your own Low Tox product to take home while you get your questions answered

Imagine:

* Confidently knowing exactly which products are helping (and which are harming) your health - and what to do about it
* Feeling the calm from knowing you’re protecting your future wellbeing
* Finally taking action on something you’ve been “meaning to do” for years – in just half a day

Spaces are limited – and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
 If you’re ready to stop guessing and start creating a healthier, happier home in a simple, sustainable way… this is your moment.

DM me to book your spot or ask any questions – I’d love to welcome you!
M x

10/08/2025

Less chemicals = better health 🤍 Start with the products you use every day and make a switch to healthier choices - DM me for a list of what to avoid 🤔

06/08/2025

This one surprised me — it’s not just synthetic chewing gums releasing microplastics!

Even some ‘natural’ gums may be contributing to our daily plastic exposure without us knowing.

A new study presented at the American Chemical Society found that just one piece of gum can release up to 3,000 microplastics into your saliva — most within the first 8 minutes.

Even gums labelled “natural” were found to shed similar particles as synthetic ones — including plastics like PET, polystyrenes, and polyacrylamides (the same kinds used in plastic packaging and water bottles).

Researchers are now linking microplastics to inflammation, hormone disruption, and effects on the health of our cells — and they’ve been found in places like the brain, bloodstream, placenta, and even our arteries.

What’s tricky is that gum companies don’t have to disclose what’s actually in the gum base - a bit like the way fragrance ingredients don’t need to be disclosed.

This isn’t about fear — it’s about feeling empowered to make informed choices.

If you’re looking for a more Low Tox chew, it might be worth exploring options that are genuinely plastic-free.

I don’t often chew gum but I like it when I’m flying and my ears pop to help equalise the pressure - I’ve found a plant-based brand called “Milliways” which seems to be a good option - do you have any other suggestions? M x 🤍

30/07/2025

Trying to make healthier choices? Here’s a tip…
 If you see any of these on a product label, choose again.

Here’s why it matters:

1. “Skin, eye or lung irritant”

> If it irritates on contact, imagine what it’s doing when you breathe it in or absorb it through your skin > Linked to inflammation, asthma, eczema flare-ups > Found in toilet bowl cleaners, hairspray, grout sealers, oven cleaners

2. “Caution”, “Danger” or ⚠️ symbols

> These aren’t just red tape - they signal serious risks to your health or the environment > Often corrosive, toxic or hormone-disrupting > Found in oven cleaners, air fresheners, insect sprays, adhesives

3. “Fragrance” in the ingredients

> A catch-all for hundreds of hidden chemicals, including hormone disruptors. Can trigger headaches, fatigue & hormone imbalance > Found in perfume, shampoo, scented bin bags, “no-iron” clothes

4. No ingredient list at all

> If they won’t tell you what’s in it, that’s a red flag > You deserve transparency—especially for anything touching your skin or air > Often missing on candles, room sprays, some “eco” cleaners

5. Needs special disposal

> If it’s hazardous waste at the end of life, it’s probably not safe to use daily > Toxic for you = toxic for the planet > Found in pesticides, solvent sprays, stain-resistant coatings, reed diffusers

For a healthier home, put it back and choose better. There’s almost always a safer option

Not sure what to choose? Just ask - I’m happy to help

Share this with someone who loves a healthy home & let’s spread good health one product at a time! 💚 M x

Home Free Building Biology

01/10/2025

10/09/2025

09/09/2025

07/09/2025

03/09/2025

01/09/2025

10/08/2025

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30/07/2025

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