Creating a Clean, Healing Environment—Without Fear or Overwhelm
When most people hear “detox,” they think of green juices or trendy supplements. But Dr. LaDuque believes real detox starts with your environment—the home you wake up in, raise your kids in, and come back to after a long day in Stephenville or Eastland.
Your home can either support your healing… or quietly work against it. The good news? You don’t need to fear toxins or overhaul everything. You just need to be intentional.
Why The Home Detox?
- Indoor air is 2–5x more polluted than outdoor air (EPA, 2023).
- Plasticizers, flame retardants, and synthetic scents have been linked to hormone disruption and respiratory issues (Rudel et al., 2010).
- Chronic low-level exposure to these compounds can affect sleep, gut health, immunity, and even mood.
Where to Start: The Big 3 Zones
1. The Air You Breathe
- Ventilate: Open windows daily—even for 10 minutes.
- Invest in a HEPA air purifier: Especially in bedrooms and living areas.
- Go fragrance-free: Skip candles, plug-ins, and sprays with “parfum.”
2. The Water You Drink
- Filter it: Use a high-quality carbon or reverse osmosis filter.
- Glass over plastic: Switch to reusable glass or stainless steel water bottles.
- Bonus: Add minerals back with sea salt or trace mineral drops.
3. What Touches Your Skin
- Swap soaps and shampoos: Look for EWG-verified or “free from” labels.
- Replace plastic containers: Store food in glass, not plastic wrap or Tupperware.
- Beware fast fashion: New clothes can carry chemical residues—wash before wear.
“Our goal isn’t fear. It’s freedom. A healthy home gives your body room to heal.” — Dr. LaDuque
Tips for Small-Town Families
In Stephenville and Eastland, we’re used to hard water, old pipes, and historic homes. Start where you are. One family added houseplants and stopped using dryer sheets. Another switched their laundry soap and saw a kid’s eczema clear up in two weeks. Little swaps, big impact.
Faith and Simplicity
The Bible often speaks of an ordered, peaceful home. Detoxing isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about creating space to breathe, pray, rest, and play. It’s stewardship. The home can be a sanctuary when it’s full of light, clean air, and simplicity.
Dr. LaDuque’s Quick Start List
- Open windows daily
- Get rid of plug-in air fresheners
- Use castile soap for hands and body
- Buy one small houseplant per room
- Filter your drinking water
- Switch to glass leftovers containers
- Use vinegar + baking soda for cleaning
Citations
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Report on the Environment: Indoor Air Quality.” epa.gov, 2023, www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality.
- Rudel, Ruthann A., et al. “Phthalates, flame retardants, and other chemicals in household products.” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 44, no. 4, 2010, pp. 1324–1330.
- Zota, Ami R., et al. “Consumer product chemicals in indoor dust.” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 50, no. 19, 2016, pp. 10661–10672.
Explore More in the Wellness Series
Author: Dr. LaDuque, Dental Excellence
Location: Stephenville & Eastland, TX