Taylor Dukes’ Ideas & Swaps for a Non-Poisonous Residence
For sure, when Taylor Dukes was identified with a mind tumor it modified her whole life. The expertise precipitated her to audit each single factor in her life, specifically her residence. After doing her personal analysis, Taylor has constructed a whole model based mostly on more healthy selections for all areas of your life.
Taylor is a board-certified household nurse practitioner and the founding father of Taylor Dukes Wellness, a practical medication observe and academic platform. Taylor focuses on serving to people overcome power well being points by addressing intestine well being, hormonal imbalances, detoxing, and general way of life. By her observe, complement line, she empowers purchasers with personalised protocols and evidence-based methods to help long-term wellness.
Forward of shifting into a brand new residence and renovating, Taylor is sharing with us the highest issues she’s conserving in thoughts for a non-toxic residence.
From cookwear to pantry staples, to bedding and completely free tricks to make your own home a cleaner, more healthy place, Taylor’s suggestions are accessible to anybody. With that, let’s welcome Taylor to the weblog.
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Hey y’all! I’m Taylor Dukes, a practical medication supplier, board-certified household nurse practitioner, spouse, and mama with a loopy well being historical past.
In my 20s, I used to be coping with all the thriller signs – weight achieve, bloating, fatigue, zits, mind fog, hormonal imbalances, joint ache, and extra. I used to be an ICU nurse, but I couldn’t determine how one can heal myself. Each typical specialist I noticed wished to slap a Band-Help on my concern with prescribed drugs, weight loss plan, or invasive remedies.
Nothing labored till I gave practical medication a shot as a last-ditch effort. It modified my life by serving to me get to the foundation explanation for my points, which pushed me to pivot my profession path.
I skilled underneath prime practical medication docs, opened my very own non-public observe, constructed a wellness product line stuffed with more healthy pantry staples, nutritional vitamins, dietary supplements, and extra (shoutout to the TDW Store), and created an on-line VIP neighborhood that has taken the confusion and stress out of navigating wholesome residing and practical medication for 1000’s of individuals.
In 2022, I used to be delivered the shocker of a lifetime and identified with a mind tumor – by the way in which, I had zero signs. I used to be gifted a full physique preventative scan that exposed a mind tumor. I used an integrative strategy – I mixed the most effective of practical oncology and western medication to beat it! I did have mind surgical procedure, however opted out of chemo and radiation. By the grace of God, I’m now cancer-free. We had been in a position to decide that the tumor had been rising seemingly 8-10 years and began after I was sick years in the past. Despite the fact that I used to be feeling properly and had no signs, that have made me double down on clear residing – particularly within the residence the place we spend 90% of our time.
I’m on the point of transfer, so it’s the right time for me to share the easy residence swaps and suggestions I’m utilizing to create my household’s more healthy residence surroundings. Whether or not you’re model new to this or have been making non-toxic adjustments for some time now, these are real-deal suggestions that can really make a distinction.
Taylor Dukes’ Ideas & Swaps for a Non-toxic Residence
Bed room
Do you know your physique enters its strongest state of detox and restore whilst you sleep? Your liver, mind, hormones, lymphatic system, and digestive organs all work to flush out toxins and reset.
I can not stress sufficient the significance of creating certain your bed room is a chemical-free secure haven to help your physique in detoxifying and resetting.
Mattresses & Pillows:
You’re both touching or respiratory into these surfaces all night time, so it’s important they’re produced from supplies which can be clear and secure and won’t offgas chemical compounds equivalent to VOCs. VOCs are sadly present in every little thing from rugs, paints, furnishings, and hearth retardants to hairsprays, air fresheners, and cosmetics. I like Savvy Relaxation (use code TAYLORDUKES) and Avocado for all my household’s mattress and pillow wants.
Sheets & Bedding:
Go for 100% natural cotton or pure linen. Fortunately, these are broadly out there at a wide range of value factors – Goal, Pact, West Elm, Coyuchi, and Parachute all have good choices.
Space Rugs:
Attempt to keep on with pure fibers like cotton, jute, or wool to keep away from chemical compounds.
Toilet & Private Care
Rest room Paper:
Most are stuffed with dyes, chlorine, perfume and different chemical compounds. Not the form of belongings you need to be wiping on such delicate and absorbent areas of the physique! I like TSC bamboo bathroom paper.
Female Merchandise:
Search for 100% licensed natural cotton that doesn’t embrace perfumes, dyes, colours, or added chemical compounds you’ll be able to’t pronounce. Simply plain cotton! Alternatively, you’ll be able to go along with a medical grade silicone cup. Some favourite manufacturers for each natural cotton female merchandise in addition to cups embrace: Rael, Viv, Natracare, Cora, Organyc, Saalt, and Flex.
Razors:
Give it some thought – most typical razors have security strips that comprise all kinds of chemical compounds. And also you’re swiping these chemical compounds (even nicking your self!) throughout areas which can be loaded with lymph nodes (underarms, groin, and so forth.). For the physique, I like one thing tremendous easy like Leaf or Zomchi.
Towels and Washcloths:
Wrap your physique in 100% pure natural cotton washcloths and towels. Goal, West Elm, Coyuchi, and Pact have strong choices.
Instruments: Physique brushing, pure sculpting, and non-toxic anti growing older instruments are the place it’s at. No judgement ever, however I’ll at all times select a pure methodology equivalent to these talked about above over invasive remedies or chemical-laden Botox and fillers. A few of my favorites embrace TSC’s Ice Curler (after I’m not at residence, the Mint Curler travels with me all over the place) and the Butter Brush.
Cleansing & Laundering
Indoor air may be 2-5x extra polluted than out of doors air – in some circumstances as much as 100x larger (supply)! Indoor environments are crammed with all kinds of artificial chemical compounds and different indoor air contaminants from typical cleansing or laundering merchandise.
Candles:
Swap out typical candles with endocrine-disrupting chemical compounds and artificial fragrances, for cleaner choices like The Skinny Confidential one. I like that Lauryn formulated the TSC candle with pure soy wax and pure important oils.
Air Freshening:
Toss the plug-ins and air fresheners which can be laden with endocrine-disrupting chemical compounds for a diffuser and pure important oils equivalent to Pranarom important oils.
Cleansing Options & Sprays:
DIY with vinegar, baking soda, and water for practically any cleansing want. Or use Department Fundamentals like me for actually all facets of home cleansing, from bogs to tubs to kitchens to flooring.
Laundry Detergent:
Go for non-toxic options – Molly’s Suds detergent or Department Fundamentals powdered laundry detergent are nice choices.
Cloth Softener:
Do you know you should use distilled vinegar as non-toxic cloth softener?
Dryer Sheets:
Wool dryer balls are the right dryer sheet various. Add a pair drops of important oils to every laundry ball if you happen to’re searching for that “clear scent” impact.
Kitchen
As a big-time label reader and mother, I used to be so upset with the shortage of fresh meals and beverage choices on the market, which led me to create my very own wholesome variations of on a regular basis dietary merchandise. I can’t inform you what a reduction it’s to not have to fret about discovering a clear choice for protein powder, sports activities drinks/electrolytes, espresso, and extra. All of our merchandise are made with natural and/or actual meals components. You may use code SKINNY for a ten% low cost on any TDW Store order (excluding subscriptions).
Not solely is your meals vital, however so is your cookware, your storage — all of it provides up. Right here’s what I maintain in my low-tox kitchen.
Pantry/Fridge:
Inventory your own home with natural, complete meals. This implies avoiding extremely processed meals, refined sugars, and unhealthy fat. At all times learn labels! If the ingredient checklist is a mile lengthy – or if you happen to can’t pronounce/don’t know a few of the components – toss it!
Lauryn and I are one in the identical in our perception that we should always all eat high-quality protein at each meal for lean muscle tissues, balanced hormones, glowing pores and skin, and fewer cravings. Whether or not it’s grass-fed beef, pastured rooster, wild-caught seafood, or a clear protein powder like Taylor Dukes Wellness Bone Broth Protein.
Another staples along with the clear proteins talked about above embrace:
Wholesome fat: ghee, grass-fed butter, further virgin olive oil, tallow, avocados, macadamia nuts.
Natural produce: A spread! I’m going for antioxidant-rich berries, all of the leafy greens, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts.
Cleaner swaps for typical merchandise: That is the place I’m going for issues like my clear and handy mixes for Protein Pancakes, Electrolytes, Scorching Chocolate, and Lemonade. I additionally love Siete tortillas, Masa chips, Chomps or Paleovalley jerky, and Solely fruit to call just a few.
Meals Storage/Water Bottles:
Trash your plastic, particularly these with “without end chemical compounds” like PFAS that may leach into your meals. Go for glass or chrome steel as an alternative. Silicone luggage equivalent to Stasher are good for snacking and storing meals, simply as long as it’s not sizzling!
Cookware:
I encourage you to do an overhaul and do away with something Teflon/nonstick. Listed below are the surfaces I like: forged iron, chrome steel (like All Clad), enameled forged iron (like Le Creuset), and non-toxic ceramic. I like my Caraway set.
Wrap/Baking Sheets:
As a substitute of aluminum foil or plastic wrap, which may contaminate your meals with heavy metals and/or PFAS, select non-toxic choices like Bee’s Wrap or unbleached parchment paper.
Dish Cleaning soap/Detergent:
The residue from no matter you utilize will most actually stay in your dishware. I like ATTITUDE unscented dish cleaning soap or utilizing my Department Fundamentals all objective spray, plus I additionally love their dishwasher tablets.
One of many greatest objections I hear from others towards transitioning to a more healthy way of life is the price. However transitioning to a more healthy way of life is feasible, even on a price range. No change is just too small that it doesn’t make an impression.
Under are inexpensive adjustments you may make with out a whole residence renovation required:
Open home windows every day to enhance air flow and air high quality.
Moist mud and vacuum (with a HEPA filter vacuum) often to rid your own home of VOCs, which journey on mud.
Put money into an air air purifier (first, for the bed room, and subsequent, for frequent residing areas). If a high-end air air purifier isn’t your price range, you’ll be able to DIY an air air purifier with a field fan and a filter for tremendous low-cost. I define the method in this text.
Use the lavatory exhaust fan earlier than, throughout, after bathing and showering to scale back the probability of mould.
Observe humidity (optimum purpose is underneath 45%) – you will discover humidity displays for underneath $10 on Amazon! If needed, buy a transportable dehumidifier.
Take your footwear off indoors. Hold a shoe tray and/or shoe rack by the entrance door as a delicate reminder for all who go to.
Put money into a water filter to take away contaminants out of your ingesting water. This will vary from a comparatively cheap gravity filter to an under-sink RO system to an entire home system. We use Aquasana filters at my residence (use code AQTDW50).
At all times select strong wooden every time attainable over particle board, mdf, or artificial wooden supplies. This consists of every little thing from cupboards to flooring to furnishings.
Contemplate the supplies you’re utilizing in your house. Go along with pure fibers like cotton, jute, or wool every time attainable. Go along with actual hardwood. Select OEKO-tex, Made Protected, and GOTS licensed natural supplies every time attainable.
I’m nonetheless within the strategy of packing and planning for my transfer, however I’m excited to include all of the aforementioned non-toxic issues into my new residence. Right here’s just a few different top-of-mind issues:
Flooring and paints are massive ones to me to not have offgassing of chemical compounds. We’re sanding and re-finishing all of our new residence’s flooring and repainting. We’re doing all ECOS paint, which is water-based, non-toxic and has zero VOC.
We’re mitigating EMF publicity when attainable by hardwiring Web-installed ethernet cords. Whilst you may not be capable of hardwire your whole residence, turning your Wi-Fi off at night time is a superb begin.
We’re on properly water, so a whole-house water filtration system is a non-negotiable for me. That is the model we’re utilizing. Additionally they have slightly below the sink filters with reverse osmosis and remineralization and bathe head filters.
Keep tuned for all of the wholesome residence transform content material coming to my IG quickly – I can be sharing unique content material with my insider checklist, too.
I hope the following tips and product suggestions encourage you to create a house that promotes true restoration and well being for you and your loved ones. Keep in mind, small adjustments make an enormous distinction!
In order for you extra personalised steering in your wellness journey, I’d love to ask you to affix my VIP on-line neighborhood for unique help, sources, and common reside calls with me. It’s additionally so enjoyable to attach with like-minded individuals.
You too can discover me on IG and my weblog for tons of free sources, recipes, and swap solutions. And don’t neglect you’ll be able to save 10% off my wholesome residing merchandise – collagen protein powder, electrolytes, detox baths, dietary supplements, and extra – with code SKINNY.
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There you go. Tons of tricks to step by step and slowly make your own home a more healthy one. It’s simple to get overwhelmed with all of the non-toxic swaps out there to you so begin small, and deal with the issues which can be most relevant to you.
We hope you liked this publish, and keep tuned for extra coming quickly from Taylor.
x, The Skinny Confidential crew.
+ Lauryn’s non-toxic being pregnant necessities.
++ More healthy bodycare swaps with The Natural Bunny.
