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Michelle Diener - Creating Healthy Homes for Healthy Women - Low Tox Home, Body & Beyond in Midlife

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

27/07/2025

Translating the research about risk factors for breast cancer into actionable steps to help women take action is one of my big loves.

We all know there are no guarantees of course.

Breast cancer - or any other disease - could still be in the future.

We can cross our fingers and hope for the best - or we can take simple science-based actions to reduce our risk.

Let’s give ourselves the best possible chance!

Follow me as I share tips and research and ideas - let’s do this together! M x 🤍

15/07/2025

Detox dinner made simple! This lemon and garlic salmon bowl is packed with nutrients that get to work supporting your liver & gut to do their thing.

Sulphur, fibre, and antioxidants all in one meal = heaven for your detox pathways!

Is this your kind of food? Let me know why or why not in the comments or better still share a photo of this dish on your kitchen table M x PMID: 29183784
PMID: 27259336

08/07/2025

You eat your greens, take your vitamins, get your steps in — but still catch everything going around - so, what’s going on?

If your immune system feels like it’s running on low, it might be time to look beyond just food and fitness…

Most of us know the basics: eat well, sleep deep, move your body, manage stress

But there’s another piece of the puzzle we often miss: environmental chemicals — invisible nasties in our air, water, and homes that quietly chip away at immune resilience

Here’s how some common culprits mess with your defenses — and what you can do:

AIR POLLUTION

Nitrogen dioxide and tiny airborne particles (from traffic, industry, even bushfires) can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation

That puts pressure on immune cells, making you more vulnerable to asthma, infections, and autoimmune flares.

Swap tips: Use an indoor air purifier, and open windows daily (if outdoor air is clean) — the solution to pollution is dilution

HEAVY METALS

Lead and cadmium — found in old pipes, soil, or imported foods — can suppress immune function and disrupt immune development in kids

What helps: Filter your drinking water (choose filters certified for heavy metals), buy organic when possible (especially berries), and check for lead before renovating old painted walls

PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)

These linger in the body for years and are linked to weakened vaccine responses and frequent infections

Found in non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and contaminated water

Low-tox swaps: Use stainless steel or cast iron instead of Teflon, skip microwave popcorn bags, and look for PFAS-free labels on waterproof clothing

The good news?

You don’t need to live in a bubble — small, consistent changes at home can make a big impact over time

You may not dodge every cold, but you’ll be giving your immune system the backup it deserves

💬 Got a go-to immune booster? Share below!
📲 Tag a friend who catches everything!

01/07/2025

DUSTY CEILING FAN BLADES? TRY THIS!

Out of sight, out of mind... until the wether warms up and the fan comes on and whoosh - a fresh sprinkle of dust across your room (and into your lungs 😬)…

Here’s an easy Low Tox cleaning trick to tackle the dust and stop it becoming a problem:

1️⃣ Pop a pillowcase over each fan blade

2️⃣ Wipe the top side with a damp bamboo microfibre cloth

3️⃣ The dust gets caught inside the case - so it doesn’t rain down on you!

4️⃣ Shake it gently outside - standing downwind!! - & wash the pillowcase at 60°C

No flying dust. No fuss. Just clean, healthy air.

Why it matters:
 Dust isn’t just dust. It’s a mix of skin cells, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, mould spores and chemical residues - all of which can trigger allergies, asthma, and inflammation, especially when they’re stirred up into the air and flying around our home.

Cleaning fan blades regularly helps keep your indoor air cleaner, your lungs happier, and your home a healthier place to breathe

Ready to breathe easier? Add this to your monthly cleaning list and tag a friend who needs to see it! Got questions about dust or indoor air quality? Drop them below - I’m always happy to help 🤍 M x

30/06/2025

Everyday Detox: Simple steps to lower toxins and boost your vitality - a practical half day retreat to help you live longer, cleaner and stronger

This October, my friend Maria and I are hosting a half day retreat in the Chew Valley. Come join us for an empowering, informative and uplifting afternoon in the beautiful settings of Folly Farm, a truly unique and sustainable event space.

The afternoon will start off with lunch, followed by a series of workshops, focusing on identifying areas of your life that may be in need of detoxing and sharing some simple ways to do this. There will also be opportunity to fully pause and take a break from our busy everyday lives with some gentle stretch and movement exercises. Following our afternoon tea and coffee break, we will end the event with a practical workshop where you will create your very own Low Tox household or self-care product to take home with you.

For more details about the event, please email info@mariahoneker.com or DM me.

Retreat details:

Date 19 October 2025

Location: Folly Farm Centre, Stowey, Pensford, Bristol BS39 4DW

Time: 1-6pm, with arrival and registration from 12.45 pm

Price: £65

Come and join us, we’d love to share our day with you! M x

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/lowtoxmastery, https://michelle-diener.mykajabi.com/linkinbio

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