Toxic Detox, Without the Drama

Let’s be honest: the word “toxins” gets thrown around a lot — and often paired with advice that feels extreme or unrealistic (no one wants to live on celery juice and panic every time they touch plastic).

But the truth is, modern life does expose us to low levels of everyday toxins and chemicals that can quietly build up and burden your body over time, and increase toxic load.

And if you didn't already know, some of these said toxins are well known hormone disruptors.

The good news? You don’t need a full lifestyle overhaul to make meaningful changes.

Here are small, practical swaps on how to reduce toxins — without adding stress.

Detox Your Products (One Product at a Time)

You don’t need to bin everything at once. Just start with the products you use most often, when you run out of each one.

• Swap out your deodorant, body lotion, or lip balm for options with fewer synthetic fragrances, parabens, or phthalates.

• Look for brands that are transparent about ingredients — or use the Yuka app to scan and choose better.

Rethink Your Cookware Non-stick pans coated in Teflon can release toxic compounds when heated.

Instead:

• Switch to ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron where you can.

• Start with the pan you use every day.

• Use Baking Paper Instead of Foil When foil is heated — especially with acidic foods — aluminium can leach into your food.

• Line baking trays with unbleached baking paper instead of foil.

• Save foil for cold food storage only (or ditch it altogether where possible).

  
  

Ditch the Plastic Coffee Lid Plastic coffee cup lids can leach microplastics and hormone-disrupting chemicals, especially when they’re in contact with hot liquid.

• If you’re grabbing a takeaway coffee, say no thanks to the lid.

• Even better: bring your own reusable cup.

  
  

Filter Your Water Tap water can contain traces of chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics.

• Use a water filter jug or under-sink filter — even an affordable charcoal filter is better than nothing.

  
  

  Bonus: it improves the taste, too.

Refresh Your Cleaning Cupboard Antibacterial and multipurpose sprays, along with traditional cleaning products, are often packed with endocrine disruptors and microplastics.

• Opt for eco-friendly and natural fragrance products. Look out for products free from chemicals such as parabens, formaldehyde, petrochemicals and VOC’s.

• White vinegar is a great inexpensive and effective household cleaning product.

Eat “Low Toxin” by Default You don’t need to go organic 100% — but prioritise it for produce on the Pan UK “Dirty Dozen” list (like grapes, lemons & apples).

• Wash produce well, even if it’s organic.

• Choose pasture-raised meat and eggs when possible — fewer hormones and antibiotics.

• Support your liver with foods such cruciferous veg (broccoli, cauliflower, kale), bitter greens, garlic, and lemon water. This will support your body’s natural detoxification system.

Let the Air In Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Open windows daily — even 10 minutes helps.

• Use houseplants like peace lily or snake plants to support air quality.

Reducing your toxic load doesn’t mean living in fear or tossing every product you own.

Start small.

Be consistent.

And remember — your body wants to detox.

You just need to support it in doing so.