Spring is in the Air: Time for Renewal, Detox, and Clean Living
Spring brings with it a sense of renewal—a fresh start filled with blooming flowers, warmer weather, and longer days. With that shift comes more energy, a brighter outlook, and a renewed desire to be active and spend time outdoors. But as beautiful as spring can be, it also brings its own set of challenges—from allergies to the infamous spring cleaning list.
If you’re feeling the motivation to declutter and refresh your home, here are some key tips and product swaps I highly recommend to support both your environment and your health:
1. Dehumidifier
Spring and summer often bring more rainfall, which means higher humidity levels. Excess moisture in your home can encourage mold growth and increase airborne allergens. A good dehumidifier helps reduce humidity, making it harder for mold spores to thrive. Bonus: it also helps decrease allergens in the air, which can lead to better overall health.
2. Air Purifier
Similar to a dehumidifier, an air purifier helps improve air quality by removing dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergy triggers. If you or your family members struggle with asthma or seasonal allergies, this is a must-have. Clean air not only supports respiratory health, but it can also improve your sleep and mental clarity.
3. Ditching Synthetic Xenoestrogens
While you’re clearing out the clutter, it’s also a great time to eliminate hidden hormone disruptors from your home. Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormonal balance. These can enter your system through the air, skin, or even the food you eat.
Where are xenoestrogens hiding?
- Fragranced products: Perfumes, candles, air fresheners, plug-ins, laundry detergents, body washes, and cleaning sprays.
- Better options: Look for fragrance-free or low-toxin alternatives. I love Branch Basics for cleaning and Molly’s Suds for laundry. Swap perfumes and air fresheners with high-quality essential oils instead.
- Cosmetics: Many makeup and personal care products contain ingredients like formaldehyde, phthalates, heavy metals, and artificial fragrances. Your skin is your largest organ—what you put on it matters.
- Healthier swaps: Look for non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan beauty brands. Be ingredient-savvy and choose cleaner cosmetics.
- Kitchen supplies: Say goodbye to non-stick cookware, aluminum foil, plastic food containers, plastic water bottles, and plastic cutting boards. When heated, plastic can leach harmful chemicals into your food.
- Safer alternatives: Use cast iron skillets, glass storage containers, and parchment paper instead of aluminum foil. Hydrate with stainless steel or glass water bottles, and use glass, wooden or bamboo cutting boards.
Start Small, Stay Consistent
You don’t need to throw everything out today—that can be overwhelming and expensive. Instead, replace items gradually as they run out or wear down. Take a walk through your home, make a list of what needs swapping, and commit to slowly phasing out the toxic stuff.
Even small steps can make a big difference over time. Your home, your body, and your future self will thank you.
To Your Health,
Maggie Allen, DNP, APRN
