Practical Nontoxic Living

Part 2 of Season 2: Forever Chemicals Detox 101. Rising health trends in children and adults—obesity, autism, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and more—are sobering reminders that it’s time to pay attention. In this episode, Sophia Ruan Gushee introduces toxic exposures like chemicals, heavy metals, and PFAS (forever chemicals) as contributing factors to these patterns. You’ll hear powerful data and Sophia’s personal story of how these health trends motivated her 20-year journey studying nontoxic living, including eight years writing her book A to Z of D-Toxing. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with three practical tips you can use right now to reduce exposures and build resilience at home. For access to the detailed slide presentation and digital workbook mentioned in this episode, join the Forever Chemicals Detox Crash Course waitlist.

This is Episode 128 and Part 1 of Season 2: Forever Chemicals Detox 101 of the Practical Nontoxic Living™ podcast. Even though forever chemicals (PFAS) are everywhere, your body is remarkably resilient. In this season, adapted from a live 4-Day Home Detox Challenge, you’ll learn why small swaps to reduce toxic exposures can make a big difference in your health and home. For the full Forever Chemicals Detox Crash Course—including the detailed slide presentation with works cited and a digital workbook to help reduce your lifetime exposure—click on the link to learn more.  

Dr. Joseph Braun, a Professor of Epidemiology at Brown University, is interested in studying the potential health consequences of environmental chemical exposures in pregnant women, infants, and children. More specifically, he has a special interest in studying how early life chemical exposures—ones that we can also modify—may influence obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism. Dr. Braun has been identified by peers as one of the top 20 pioneers under 40 in environmental public health. Dr. Braun was chosen for his exceptional work. According to a press release by the nonprofit organization, Collaborative on Health and the Environment, Dr. Braun’s work will pioneer environmental health science and catalyze policies and actions to protect the health of children, families, and communities. In August 2017, I spoke to Dr. Braun. I wanted to learn what inspired him to research how early life exposures may affect our long term health. And I was also curious how he applies his expertise into healthy choices for his healthy living. In addition to getting those questions answered, I got Joe’s top six detox recommendations for the average person. They involve drinking water, canned foods, plastics, carpets, cleaning, and organic foods. Whether you’re already a parent, considering having children, or if you are just interested in healthy living, you’ll learn valuable information and helpful tips by listening to this conversation with Joe about our toxic exposures. Also remember that you can review the transcript for this on my website at NontoxicLiving.tips. This is an important topic that we must keep learning more about.

Deborah Hanekamp, aka Mama Medicine, is a seeress carrying 17+ yrs in the healing arts. Sophia and Deborah discuss people's auras, the spirits that surround us, darkness & light, destiny, and our many teachers. Deborah is an Initiated Amazonian Shaman, Reiki Master and Yogini. She has developed Medicine Readings and led Medicine Reading ceremonies all over the world. Her work has been featured in Vogue, New York Times & Marie Claire Magazine. Vogue magazine called her "Fashion's Favorite Healer." Listen to this provocative conversation that may leave you feeling more calm, compassionate, giving, and loving. Stay updated with Sophia's work by registering for her free newsletter. Just text "DETOX" to 66866

Dr. Hugh Taylor is an internationally-recognized expert in female reproductive health. In this podcast, Sophia Ruan Gushée talks to Dr. Taylor about how toxic exposures (including cell phone radiation) may affect reproductive health, like fertility and outcomes of pregnancy and IVF. -- Dr. Hugh Taylor is: Chair of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine Chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital Active researcher that has been funded continuously by the National Institutes of Health  for more than 20 years. He has conducted extensive research in such areas as endometriosis and menopause, and spoken on such topics as how cell phone exposure in utero can damage babies’ brains Professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, and of molecular, cellular and development biology at Yale School of Medicine Directs The Yale Center for Reproductive Biology Even as an international expert in his field, he is a devoted physician who still sees patients, drawing upon the latest research to provide patients with the best evidence-based treatments for such conditions as endometriosis, infertility and menopause Dr. Taylor has published more than 200 articles in leading medical journals He is the Editor-In-Chief of Reproductive Sciences -- Click here for podcast transcript. For practical nontoxic lifestyle tips, text "DETOX" to 66866

There's something particularly interesting about discussing suffering with a seemingly happy, beautiful person who has no obvious reason to be suffering. Heather Lilleston beams beauty, sunshine, and joy. She also exudes love, kindness, and grace. Listen to Heather discuss suffering with familiarity and study. For those who suffer, and feel alone, and that they somehow deserve their pain, I share the following conversation with you as a reminder that no one's life is perfect: we each have our own set of challenges, and we are each in this human experience together. You are not alone. We also discuss money, teaching, and business! To review podcast show notes and links to more information on Heather and Sophia, click here: Podcast Show Notes of Sophia & Heather. Receive practical nontoxic lifestyle tips by texting "DETOX" to 66866

Episode 131 – Part 3 of Season 2: Forever Chemicals Detox 101 Your DNA is not a life sentence. While genetics play a role in health, research shows that everyday exposures from your home and environment generally matter far more in determining long-term outcomes. In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living™, Sophia Ruan Gushée introduces how household toxic exposures, specifically PFAS (forever chemicals) exposure, can influence cancer. You’ll hear why most cancers and many chronic conditions are driven not by genes, but by environmental and lifestyle factors. Most importantly, you’ll learn simple, practical steps you can take at home to reduce exposures and protect your family’s health. RESOURCES For access to the detailed slide presentation and workbook mentioned in this episode, check out the Forever Chemicals Detox Crash Course. Explore the 40-Day Home Detox for a step-by-step plan to transform your home into a wellness ally. Detox your pots and pans with help from "Safest Non-Toxic Cookware: Top PFAS-Free Pots and Pans for Healthy Cooking"

I’m making a small change to the Practical Nontoxic Living™ podcast schedule: Thursday Raindrops episodes are pausing for now. In this short update, I share why I’m taking this step and how it will give me more space to focus on bringing you deeper, more helpful content—like Season 2: Forever Chemicals Detox 101. Raindrops will be back, but in the meantime, you can continue listening every Tuesday for new episodes on detoxing your home and life. REGISTER Ruan Living Newsletter

Trying to conceive or preparing for pregnancy? Discover how detoxing your daily environment can support fertility, hormone balance, and healthy fetal development. In this Raindrop episode of Practical Nontoxic Living™, Sophia Ruan Gushée shares foundational steps to reduce exposure to hidden hormone disruptors in your home—from plastic food storage to personal care products. You’ll learn: Why fertility and pregnancy are especially vulnerable to toxic exposures What science says about endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and reproductive health Easy, high-impact swaps to make today—from cookware to cosmetics How detoxing your home can improve fertility outcomes and support long-term wellness Whether you're trying to conceive or simply want to create a healthier home, this episode offers empowering, practical tips you can start now. 🎧 Listen now and begin your fertility detox journey with confidence. 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals.

Why Detoxing Your Home Is as Important as Diet & Exercise—Simple Tips to Start | Most Downloaded #1 🌿 Most Downloaded Countdown Series – Episode #1 Why does home detox matter as much as diet and exercise? In this most popular episode of all time, Sophia Ruan Gushée explains how daily exposures to toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and EMFs affect our health—and how small tweaks can transform your life. 💡 In This Episode: Sophia’s journey into nontoxic living Everyday toxins in common household products High-impact detox tips for beginners Mindful living and practical changes that last RESOURCES: A to Z of D-Toxing book Ruan Living’s Curated Amazon Store Ruan Living's flagship 40-Day Home Detox 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals. ABOUT RUAN LIVING Find Your Ultimate Home Detox™ with Practical Nontoxic Living™ Solutions Created by Sophia Ruan Gushée. Your healthiest life is rooted at home.

Most Downloaded Countdown Series – Episode #2 Interior designer Alison Davin shares how her multiple chemical sensitivities led her to design wellness-focused homes using nontoxic paints, flooring, and materials. A must-listen for anyone building or renovating. 💡 In This Episode: What “clean” materials really mean Common toxins in paints, furniture, and fabrics Tips for healthier renovations and travel Curating calm, beautiful, and toxin-free spaces RESOURCES: Live Natural by Alison Davin Ruan Living's EMF Detox program A to Z of D-Toxing book Ruan Living’s Curated Amazon Store Ruan Living's flagship 40-Day Home Detox 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals. ABOUT RUAN LIVING Find Your Ultimate Home Detox™ with Practical Nontoxic Living™ Solutions. Created by Sophia Ruan Gushée. Your healthiest life is rooted at home.

Think your kitchen is safe? In this 5-minute Raindrop episode of Practical Nontoxic Living™, Sophia Ruan Gushée shares one quick and impactful tip to help detox your kitchen from hidden toxins—starting with your food storage. Learn how plastic food containers and wrappers can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”), especially when heated or used with acidic foods. Discover the simple swap Sophia recommends to reduce toxic exposure: switching to glass containers. In this episode, you'll learn: • How plastic containers may be polluting your food • How to reduce your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals • A simple, affordable swap that supports your long-term health 🎧 Listen now to take one small—but powerful—step toward your Ultimate Home Detox™. 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals.

Most Downloaded Countdown Series – Episode #3 EMF protection expert and DefenderShield CEO Daniel DeBaun returns to the show to discuss with Sophia Ruan Gushée what we’ve learned since 5G rolled out—and how to keep your family safe from everyday radiation exposure. 💡 In This Episode: How 5G differs from earlier wireless tech Best practices for safer mobile device use How to create a low-EMF bedroom sanctuary Recommended protection products RESOURCES: DefenderShield Products Ruan Living's EMF Detox program A to Z of D-Toxing book Ruan Living’s Curated Amazon Store Ruan Living's flagship 40-Day Home Detox 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals. ABOUT RUAN LIVING Find Your Ultimate Home Detox™ with Practical Nontoxic Living™ Solutions Created by Sophia Ruan Gushée. Your healthiest life begins at home.

Nonstick pans may seem convenient—but they can release toxic PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” into your food. In this quick Raindrop episode, Sophia Ruan Gushée shares two of her favorite nontoxic cookware swaps that are safer for your health and easy to use. If you’re just getting started with a home detox or want a quick win for your kitchen, this 3-minute episode gives you practical, trustworthy guidance. 🎧 Short, sweet, and packed with practical nontoxic living tips. 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals.

Most Downloaded Countdown Series – Episode #4 Did you know your water and sleep setup could be affecting your health? In this episode, Sophia Ruan Gushée shares how to detox your drinking water and sleep environment from contaminants and EMFs that can interfere with rest and recovery. 💡 In This Episode: Bottled vs. tap water: what’s safest? Easy, effective water filtration Bedroom detox tips to improve sleep How EMFs affect sleep quality and recovery RESOURCES: Ruan Living newsletter A to Z of D-Toxing book Home Detox Workshop Series Ruan Living’s Curated Amazon Store Ruan Living's flagship 40-Day Home Detox 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals. ABOUT RUAN LIVING Find Your Ultimate Home Detox™ with Practical Nontoxic Living™ Solutions Created by Sophia Ruan Gushée. Your healthiest life begins at home.

Feel tired, wired, or foggy? Your devices may be to blame. In this Raindrop episode of Practical Nontoxic Living™, Sophia Ruan Gushée introduces a 5-day Digital Detox Challenge from your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack—designed to reduce your EMF exposure, help you recharge, and restore your energy. Learn how a simple tweak to your tech habits may encourage deeper sleep, better focus, and hormonal balance. Perfect for beginners looking to reduce EMFs without ditching their devices. 🎧 Tune in to begin your digital detox and start feeling the difference. 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals.

Most Downloaded Countdown Series – Episode #5 After years of unexplained infertility, Sara Jensen learned how endocrine-disrupting chemicals in “clean” products were harming her health. Hear how she founded Hugh and Grace to offer clean, high-performing alternatives. 💡 In This Episode: How daily products can affect fertility and hormones Sara’s infertility journey and clean living mission Natural skincare for families and hormone-safe beauty Tips for safer baby products and personal care RESOURCES Hugh and Grace Fertility and pregnancy detox guidance included in your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack A to Z of D-Toxing book Ruan Living’s Curated Amazon Store Ruan Living's flagship 40-Day Home Detox ABOUT RUAN LIVING Find Your Ultimate Home Detox™ with Practical Nontoxic Living™ Solutions Created by Sophia Ruan Gushée. Your healthiest life begins at home.

You’ve heard of “forever chemicals”—but how do you actually avoid them? In this Raindrop episode, Sophia Ruan Gushée breaks down what PFAS are, where they hide in your home, and how to detox your daily routine with ONE simple, practical swap. Whether you're worried about hormone disruption, fertility, or cancer risk, this episode provides empowering awareness to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals linked to serious health conditions. 💡 Learn to detox your cookware, personal care products, food packaging & more. 🧴 Discover the hidden sources of PFAS in your daily life. 🌿 Start your Practical Nontoxic Living™ journey with evidence-based insights. 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals.

Most Downloaded Countdown Series – Episode #6 Indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. In this episode, Sophia Ruan Gushée shares how to improve indoor air quality with simple, low-cost strategies that reduce exposure to toxins in dust, cleaning products, and “fragrance.” 💡 In This Episode: The hidden health risks of indoor air How fragrance and dust carry toxic chemicals Tips for ventilation, air purifiers, and plant care Frugal ways to detox your air and home RESOURCES: Ruan Living newsletter A to Z of D-Toxing book Home Detox Workshop Series Ruan Living’s Curated Amazon Store Ruan Living's flagship 40-Day Home Detox ABOUT RUAN LIVING Find Your Ultimate Home Detox™ with Practical Nontoxic Living™ Solutions Created by Sophia Ruan Gushée. Your healthiest life begins at home.

Want to detox your home but don’t know where to start? In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, Sophia Ruan Gushée shares the #1 cleaning swap from her Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack—a powerful (and free!) resource designed to help you reduce harmful chemicals from your home. Learn how this simple DIY cleaning spray can replace toxic products, protect your lungs and hormones, and support a healthier home—especially if you're detoxing for fertility, cancer recovery, children, or general well-being. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: A shocking study linking cleaning products to lung damage How to make a safe, effective multipurpose spray in 30 seconds Why this one change matters for your long-term health How to access Sophia’s free Starter Pack with 5 detox guides 📥 Download your Ultimate Home Detox™ Starter Pack now—includes guides for cleaning, cookware, kitchen, EMFs, and forever chemicals. 🎧 Press play to take one powerful step toward a cleaner, calmer, more healing home.