The older I get, the more I realize just how little the government and big corporations actually care about our health. Over the past ten years, as I’ve become a more conscious consumer, I’ve seen firsthand how much responsibility falls on us to make the right choices—because no one is going to do it for us. And honestly? It can feel like a lot.
Sometimes, I think about how much simpler life was when I used to grab my cleaning supplies at CVS, my makeup at Sephora, and never gave a second thought to the ingredients. I had more time to read fiction instead of pouring over scientific studies and nutrition textbooks. There’s a reason people say ignorance is bliss.
But here’s the thing—I wouldn’t trade what I know now for an easier life. The health challenges I faced led me here, and I’m grateful for that. I’ve learned that if I want to protect my health and my family’s health, it’s on me to do the research, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions. The only doctors and practitioners who have open, honest conversations with me are the ones who understand integrative and functional medicine. Because let’s be real—the “sick care” system in this country is about profit, not people. Big Pharma, Big Food, and major corporations aren’t making decisions with our well-being in mind.
Take the recent Red 3 ban. Instead of banning all harmful dyes, they banned one. So now, food and drug companies will just swap it out for Red 40 or another artificial alternative. Do we really think they’re going to replace it with something better? Probably not. And the scariest part? Red 3 was in medications, including Vyvanse, an ADHD drug prescribed to millions of kids.
Most companies won’t do the right thing unless they’re forced to. And unfortunately, that means it’s on us to know better and do better.
I know some people think living this way is extra—that avoiding toxins and reading labels is over-the-top. But I don’t do this because I love making my life more complicated. I do it because I accept the reality of the world we live in. I see what’s on the shelves and how little oversight there really is. And rather than bury my head in the sand, I choose to take control over what I can. For myself. For my family. For my clients.
If you’re just starting out on this journey, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to change everything overnight. Start small—swap one or two things at a time. Pay attention to ingredients. Ask questions. The more you learn, the more empowered you’ll feel. And I promise you, once you see the bigger picture, you won’t want to go back.
If you need support, our toxic consultancy program is a great place to start.