Episode 16: Interview with Taylor Belcher

Are you ready to start improving your health and wellness by understanding more about what you can do to reduce your toxic exposure?

In today's episode toxin-free lifestyle coach and a certified aromatherapist, Taylor Belcher, shares her knowledge on the key things we need to do to start moving towards living a toxin free lifestyle.

Listen Here:
Spotify | Apple | Google Play | Amazon Music

Show Notes:

In this insightful podcast episode, our special guest Taylor Belcher, a toxin-free living advocate and blogger, provides valuable tips for a healthier, safer lifestyle. Taylor shares her knowledge on harmful ingredients present in everyday items, recommending safer alternatives and teaching listeners how to research before purchasing.

Topics Covered:

1. Harmful Ingredients in Personal Care Products: Learn about the unsafe elements found in daily products like toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, hairspray, and deodorant. Discover safer alternatives you can find in natural food markets like Whole Foods.

2. Kitchenware and Utensils: Uncover the potential toxicity of non-stick and Teflon cookware. Learn about safer alternatives such as cast iron, stainless steel, silicone, and glass. Taylor also advises on replacing plastic utensils and storage containers with wooden and glass alternatives.

3. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Gain insight into the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. From boosting energy to promoting healthier hair and skin, essential oils can be a healthier replacement for scented candles.

4. Recommended Brands for Toxin-Free Products: Discover specific brands recommended by Taylor for a toxin-free lifestyle. These include Branch Basics and Truly Free for cleaning products, Mineralized for deodorant, 100% Pure and Ilia for makeup, Evolve for hair care, and Lumino for toothpaste.

Key Takeaways:

1. Research before Purchasing: Not all products in natural food markets are safe. Always check labels for harmful ingredients and perform a thorough online research before making a purchase.

2. Safer Kitchenware and Utensils: Avoid non-stick and Teflon cookware and plastic utensils and storage containers. Safer alternatives include cast iron, stainless steel, silicone, glass, and wooden utensils.

3. The Power of Essential Oils: Essential oils have numerous therapeutic benefits and can be a healthier alternative to scented candles. They can be used in a diffuser, applied topically, or integrated into DIY household items.

4. Recommended Brands for a Toxin-Free Lifestyle: Taylor suggests a variety of brands for toxin-free living, including Branch Basics, Truly Free, Mineralized, 100% Pure, Ilia, Evolve, and Lumino.

Transcript:

Hello everyone and welcome back to Better Than a Pill. Today I am so excited to have Taylor Belcher as a guest on her show. Taylor is a toxin-free lifestyle coach and a certified Aromatherapist. Today, Taylor's gonna be sharing her knowledge with us on the things we need to do to start moving towards living a toxin free lifestyle.

So Taylor, I am so excited to have you and for you to share your knowledge with our listeners today. So welcome and thank you so much for being here today. Thank you for having me. I'm so excited for this. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in helping people live toxin free. Oh, the first thing was essential oils that I started using, and this was back in 2016.

I started using the essential oils and then I. Moved to Germany with my ex-husband at the time, and I through that, when I was there, I became a certified aromatherapist because I just like fell in love with the essential oils and I wanted to know more, and I wanted to know more of like the safety aspects of it and the blending part of it.

So I did the aromatherapy course there, and then when I moved back to the United States, I started my blog. And I, I, I didn't think it was gonna become anything. I thought, like I would call my friends and family and be like, can you please follow me? I don't wanna not have zero followers. And so at first it was just something I did for myself and for basically for me to go back to and see the recipes that I use and to have somewhere to store everything.

And then it just turned into something bigger than what I thought it was. And so then through that I've learned so many different things. Ways to live a toxin-free lifestyle, whether it's using essential oils or the products that you use. And I just went crazy with it. And once you learn the horrible chemicals that you are using on a daily basis, it's terrifying.

And when, especially if you have kids or pets, I have three dogs. So it is scary to know that you don't know what some of these products are like, what the chemicals and the products that you're using are. And that's just where my love for all that started. Oh, that's awesome. Yeah, it is extremely terrifying once you begin to realize, uh, what's going on.

And so, you know, so what are some of the common sources of toxins in our daily lives? Environmental working group has some really good, helpful resources. I like their Healthy Living app and their Skin Deep app where it shows they have ratings of each product and if the chemicals, they rate the chemicals in them.

So if you're really, you have no idea what you're doing. I would look for a resource like that. Um, also you should, you do wanna stay away from greenwashing companies. So those are products, those are companies that a lot of times they have green bottles with plants and they, it makes it look like it's healthy.

They'll have the word natural or eco-friendly, and it makes it look like when you're at the store, you're like, oh, this is a better option. And then, When you look at the label, you turn it around, look at the label. The label still has a lot of these toxic chemicals and they're just, they're just allowed to get away with it because there's no regulations.

So be aware of companies that greenwash and yeah, just keep an eye out for the toxic chemicals that are hiding in them. Right. So, that's a term greenwashing, so that's interesting. So basically these companies are appearing to be natural. And this is the term, but inside these natural products are these hidden toxins.

Yes. Yeah. And it's so crazy that they're allowed to get away with it, but there's just no regulations and trade secrets. You can, you can say that you have, like I said, the word fragrance. You could write the word fragrance, but behind that word, fragrance, you can have so many different things. Like toxic chemicals that are allergens, that are cancer causing, that are hormone disrupting, that are cause fertility issues.

But you'll never know truly what those ingredients are because it's hidden behind the word fragrance. So that's also greenwashing . They just like to say you could put something all natural on the label, even if it's not all natural, just because of trade secrets and there's no regulations. So that's interesting.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And so, so like for, for example, this greenwashing, could we, where would we find some of these products? I'm just curious. Like, for example, would we find some of these products at Whole Foods? Could that be a possibility? Absolutely. You're gonna find 'em at Whole Foods, you're gonna find them at Walmart.

You're gonna find them. Even your natural, like Whole Foods. People think going to Whole Foods, you're gonna find everything natural. They're not gonna have anything bad, but. They're still gonna have that stuff. I mean, you can find better alternatives at, I think everywhere, even Walmart, there's better alternatives there.

But you just have to kind of, I'm, I'm like that crazy person that's sitting in the each aisle turning, turning each bottle around, looking at all the ingredients, and you kind of just have, if you want to live a more toxin free lifestyle, you have to just be more aware and know what you're putting on your bodies.

Yeah. And, and well taking it a step back that, you know, these toxins, you know, they're causing not only cancer, but um, uh, coming into effect. Our thyroid, for example. That was my issue. I had to be very mindful of it, you know. Yeah. You know, affecting that. Um, what else did you mention that these toxins can affect?

A lot of them are allergens and they can help, they can make your asthma worse or cause asthma. Um, a lot of fertility issues. I know there's a lot of people, especially. Younger people that aren't able to get pregnant. And I'll say to them, if they say, mention to me like they're having a hard time getting pregnant.

And obviously there's a million different reasons that somebody cannot get pregnant, but the first step that I tell people is, what are you using? What deodorant are you using? What are you using to wash your body and wash your hair? What are you using to make your home smell good? Are you using candles?

Are you using plugins? Are you using air fresheners that aren't good? Like, so it's, yeah. Yeah. And that just opens up a whole nother can of worms. Yeah. Oh yeah. So yeah, just candles in general, scented candles. We think, oh, this smells so good, but not really so good for us. Right. No. Yeah. Yeah. Amazing. And you know, for me, I was a big fan of using Lysol and Clorox and Clorox wipes until I found out again, you know, that's not so good for us.

Right. Yeah. Things like that. I mean, it's just having the awareness of like, oh my goodness. You know? Exactly. And there are some people with the Lysol and the Clorox, some people, they'll say to me like, well, it works, so I'm using it. Be who cares what's in it because it still works. And I'm like, there are, there are natural products that you can use that will work just as good, if not better than these toxic products.

It's just about realizing is it really worth using the Lysol to clean your table or to clean something off? Especially like I said before, if you have children or you have kids, you really want your pets that are licking things and your kids that are putting their hands in their mouth a lot, is that something that you really want to risk?

Right. Yeah, a hundred percent. I also have on my website, if you go to my website, the toxin free lifestyle.com, I do have a Botox swaps guide that I put out that I did the research for you so you don't have to stress that much. And I just, every category, every product, I give you alternatives so that you don't have to feel so overwhelmed trying to do it all yourself.

So there's a lot of products and that includes household products, um, cosmetics, foods that can cause, you know, harmful things to our body through exposure to these chemicals and toxins. Um, as somebody like myself is trying to make the journey towards, uh, toxin free lifestyle. How important is it to maintain a balance, maintain a balance between being proactive and not becoming overly anxious or overwhelmed about making these changes and about potential toxin exposure?

So I understand it is difficult at first, and it can be so overwhelming when people think that, oh my God, there's toxins everywhere. I have to throw everything out and get all new stuff. First of all, that's expensive and a little unnecessary. So what I like to tell people and what I started on my own journey is, like I said before, go, first of all, start out with what you mostly use.

So, Your toothpaste that you're using daily, multiple times a day. Your deodorants, your hand wash, everything that you're using the most. And I would throw those out right away and just get a new, fresh start. And even if there's a little bit in it still, I would throw it away and start fresh because you want to eliminate those products immediately and then after that, then you can go.

Category by category or room by room. So you can start in your kitchen and look at your dish soap, your pots and pans, and your food storage containers, like silverware that you're using. So you could, I say you go room by room, product by product. And when you're, instead of for everything you don't, like I said, you don't have to throw it all out at once and get new.

You can as you're, you finish your last drop of that dish soap. Instead of ordering that same brand, you order a better alternative. And I think that's the best way to not be so overwhelmed. And also, if you are on a budget and you don't wanna spend so much money on all toxin free products, even though there are budget friendly options.

But something that I do a lot is I do my own things. So you could, it's fun, you get the kids involved and you, it's a much budget friendlier option to die. Your own, like I've made my own hairspray. I've made my own dish soap. My, I made my own toilet cleaning bombs, my own laundry detergent there.

Anything that you have, you can do it and it could be a little fun at the same time. So, wow. So with the d y I, that's something that you write about on your blog? Yes. Um, ok. Okay. And we'll mention that at the end of the episode as well. Um, so yeah, I like the idea of getting rid of the things that you're using the most, because of course, you're gonna get the most toxin exposure from those items.

And so let's talk a little bit about, let's say for, for example, toothpaste, like using an A Crust brand. Not so good. Not so good. Crest toothpaste is filled with fluoride, which you're gonna wanna stay away from. And it's also filled with, like I said before, the S sls, the sodium lauryl sulfate. That is what makes it bubble and foam up in your mouth.

And there's a few other toxic chemicals in those toothpaste too that you just wanna be aware of. Okay? Yep. So I know I've made the switch. Personally, I have not made the switch for my children yet. I've made fluoride free because the fluoride was not. So good. But fluoride in general is not so good, is what you're saying for the body.

Yeah. I mean you're gonna find different opinions on it no matter who you talk to. And in my opinion, I just don't, I use a fluoride free, it's not worth it for me. Yeah. Especially if the kids. Sure. Okay. So that's interesting. And then mouthwash. What about mouthwash? Same. Same thing. Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay.

We've got two big care items there. We've got soap, um, cleaning products. I think with Thees. I know for myself, Definitely made the transition, but I like how you said you can do things gradually. I know that I've had to do that myself because it is overwhelming A, B, things to do cost money and not that money is the end all be all, and I love the idea of doing it yourself.

I'm gonna have everybody listening, check it out. Taylor's blog for some more information. Um, but, but finding things that are safer replacements takes work, right? Yes. So there's just so many products and so many things to consider. Um, so if we break it down a little bit into segments, so definitely our personal care products and included in that, we've got our, like you mentioned, toothpaste, mouthwash, um, You know, which is generally, from my understanding, mouthwash is pretty unsafe unless you're using, that's something that's non-toxic.

Yes. And there are better alternatives that you can use that I do use too. So there are alternatives for everything that you use. Okay. Yes. And um, of course, shampoo, hairspray, all these things I spray. Deodorant is a big one with a fragrance with Sure. Aluminum. In general, so for replacements of these brands, so Whole Foods is gonna be a big go-to for a lot of people listening because that's a natural food market.

So if they go to a store like that, they're gonna be able to know that we can't trust every brand that's there. But to flip it over and just make sure of some of those keen ingredients that you mentioned earlier. Or not on the label, correct? Yes. Yes. Ok. Obviously Google search definitely works. Google's always there for you.

Google's there, but definitely writing in talk, you know, is this toxin free? Because I know even on Google searches, when I've looked up items in the past, it will say something safe when it's not actually safe. And a lot of times it will be coming from their own website. So make sure when you're looking at that, you're, A lot of times their website will come up first cuz it's either sponsored or just directly related to it.

So I would stay away from their website and just see what other people say, or just look up the ingredients and then just you could, I always will Google, if I don't have something in front of me, I will Google. A picture of the label and there's always gonna be pictures of the ingredient label and the whole label that on Google that you'll be able to find.

Okay. Yeah. All right. So definitely, um, you mentioned one thing earlier about and, uh, cooking pans and um, I know that one thing that I've read about lately is that the non-stick to stay away from non-stick and just yes. Wanted to pick your brain on that a little bit. Yes. You'll wanna stay away from the non-stick and the Teflon cookware and bakeware.

And there are some great alternatives. I like cast iron the best, but you can use stainless steel. You could, silicone is a better option. Not the best, but a better option. And it's more budget friendly than the cast iron or the stainless steel too. And um, is glass like a Pyrex? Okay. Yes, yes. Also glass.

Yes. Awesome. I started using that cuz we had it. Yeah. And um, and also people are probably aware of this, but if not getting rid of plastics and just speaking on that cause I know I've had to do that. Or even sandwiches, certain sandwich bags or you know, things like that. Yes. So going through the kitchen, the kitchen is one of the biggest areas of where you'll, you, everything that you use, you'll find the toxic.

Chemicals somewhere. So cooking utensils that you use, you're gonna wanna stay away from the plastic versions of those. And go for wood is a better option for those like wooden and spoons. And for food storage, you're gonna wanna stay away from the cheap plastic storage containers and go for, I like glass or um, plastic wrap instead of plastic wrap.

You could use beeswax wrap. Some of the plastic wraps I know are safe. It will say, you know, it's free, BPA free, or whatever. And those are okay to use. Yes. So I do prefer to use it as an alternative to the plastics, but if you can't, sometimes it's a little more expensive, like cups and bottles, you always wanna go for BPA free.

Okay. And that's a, that's kind of a, a, a step in the right direction for people. Exactly, yes. Ok. You, so you don't need to go crazy from zero to a hundred. You can make little steps. Okay. Awesome. And you obviously have experience when, you know, first started talking about how you got into all this with aromatherapy.

And I'm curious to pick your brain on that, because that's a whole new world to me. I don't know much about it. Um, And I would love to know a little bit more about, you know, what, what you can do to help yourself and help your body through aromatherapy and, and, and eliminating toxins and so forth. Yes.

So for one example, you can, like I said before, d i y and when I D I Y, pretty much anything that I D I y I always use essential oils for not only their therapeutic benefits, but also their smell. And they make things smell  good. Each oil has its own therapeutic benefit to it. If you're feeling under the weather, for instance, you hit, there's oils for that or have a headache, there's oils for that.

So a big thing that I like to use essential oils for is to replace candles. I like to use essential oils and diffusers. So you're still making your house or your room smell, or your car smell nice, and you can pick your own little scent with that without the toxic fragrance that comes with it. What are some of your favorite, um, fragrances to use?

Mostly I go to lavender, peppermint Eucalyptus. I love, um, lemon. Lemon is a big one. I'm always diffusing lemon and vanilla. I'm always diffusing those in some sort of combination. Yeah, no, I have to get a diffuser. I do not have one yet. And if you're listening, it sounds like a wonderful replacement, right?

For Scented candles. Exactly. And with candles, there are better candle alternatives for companies that don't use harmful synthetic fragrance than they'll use natural essential oil, fragrance candles, and soy candles. There are better options, but the essential oils and the diffusers will be your best bet.

Awesome. Now, do any of these like essential oils that you use have any additional benefits for the body? Oh yeah. Every essential oil has a benefit for something and multiple things. So they say that lavender oils like the Swiss Army knife of essential oils because it has so many benefits from skin benefits to healthy hair, benefits to, you could put it in, make an eyelash serum for your eyelashes and your eyebrows.

I like to put rosemary and peppermint and lavender in my shampoo and have for my, for my scalp and better, healthier hair. That's great. What about, I'm just curious, um, what about peppermint? My favorite thing with peppermint is when you're, Not having so much energy and you're feeling just sluggish and very tired.

I like to just put peppermint in the palm of my hand and then just inhale and it kind of wakes you up a little bit, and that's one of my favorite benefits of peppermint. Awesome. So you can actually use the essential oils outside of the diffuser. Oh yes. You can use them topically and you can make little.

Little potions I like to say, and make your own little blends for different things. You can put it in your moisturizer, you can put it in your shampoo and conditioner. Like I said, you can use, but topically and aromatically are my FA two favorite ways to use them. Great. And, and in terms of living toxin free, I'm gonna guess I might be wrong, but you may use some of these essential oils in your d y I or do it yourself for those of you know, the lingo.

Um, is that correct? Yes. So everything that I make, I'm going to, I usually use essential oils and not only to make it smell good, but for the therapeutic benefits too. So let's say if. I like to make fabric softener with vinegar and it's just vinegar and then essential oils. So I usually put lemongrass and spearmint in it to make my clothes smell nice.

And hand soap, you can make your own hand soap and instead of using the toxic fragrance that is in most antibacterial soaps, you can make whatever scent you want with essential oils. Awesome. Thank you. That's great. Yeah. Just real quick, just picking your brain. One last question for you today before we wrap it up.

Are there some brands that people could easily access, um, as replacements to some of the brands that they're currently using? And maybe breaking it down a little bit into, you know, certain areas? Yes. Um, the best place to find everything will be on my website, on my swaps guide, but on the guide I have.

Branch Basics is a favorite of mine for cleaning. Also, truly Free is a brand that I use. I have all of their products. I use their products for cleaning. They have hand soap and laundry detergent for deodorant. I like to use the brand called Mineralized Deodorant, and that it's, it's like a powder that you powder on.

For makeup, there's two brands that I like the most. It's a brand called a hundred percent Pure, and Ilia is the other brand and a hundred percent pure. They also have a lot of skincare, which is nice for my hair, shampoo and conditioner and hairspray. Also, I like the brand called Evolve. Um, for toothpaste, I like to use the brand called Lumino and.

Those are like the ones off the top of my head that I can think of, like the big brands that I support. Great. And, and some of those are accessible, um, on Amazon as well, or places like that? Yes. You'll find some of those on Amazon, on their websites. Um, on my toxin free swap guide, one from Walmart, if you like to shop at Walmart, clean Colt is a better alternative from Walmart at Costco Eco.

Is it a better alternative? Yes. Yes. I love Eco. Yes. That's what I use, actually. Yes. I've used their laundry detergent many times in the past too. I like their laundry detergent outta all their products. Right. Thank you. That's good to hear. Awesome. Okay. Well thank you so much for coming on today and sharing so much valuable information.

If you want to learn more about Taylor Belcher's work, you can find her on Instagram at the Toxin Free Lifestyle and read her blog at the toxin free lifestyle.com. Both links are included in the description of this episode. And remember, we do new episodes every week on Wednesday, and I look forward to you having me join me then.