The Vital Link Between Green Cleaning and Hormone & Brain Health

Written by: Claudia Haller NBC-HWC

Healthy habits start in the home. The cleaning products and methods that you use to keep your environment tidy can directly impact your hormone and brain health. Creating a healthy household environment is deeply connected to our cleaning decisions. Although green cleaning products may just seem like a trend, opting for them isn't merely following fashion. Rather, transitioning towards this method of cleaning is making a conscious choice to enhance our well-being and that of the environment.

By choosing eco-friendly cleaning solutions, we can experience a multitude of benefits. These include minimizing our exposure to harmful chemicals that can negatively affect our health, ensuring our indoor air is purer and safer to breathe, and reducing our ecological footprint. This approach impacts our immediate surroundings and simultaneously contributes to a broader environmental health. Integrating green practices into our cleaning routine is a practical way to protect our families, improve our quality of life, and support sustainability efforts, all through the simple acts of care we perform in our homes every day.
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Why Green Cleaning is Important for Hormone Health:
1. Chemical Exposure: Conventional cleaning products often contain chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. These substances can interfere with hormone production and regulation in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances. One of the most prominent effects of hormonal imbalance is weight gain, alongside fatigue, insomnia and depression. By choosing green cleaning products with natural, biodegradable ingredients, we reduce our exposure to these harmful chemicals and the negative effects they may cause. Switching over will support your hormone health.

2. Allergen Reduction: Have you ever walked into a room that was just sprayed with air freshener and immediately sneezed? Me too. Synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals in traditional cleaners often trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Constant exposure to these allergens can stress the body and also impact hormone balance. Opting for more natural cleaning solutions helps to reduce allergens, creating a healthier indoor environment for hormone regulation.

3. Reducing Toxic Load: The accumulation of toxins from household products can contribute to a higher toxic load in the body. This excess burden can disrupt hormonal signaling and function. This is because of the endocrine disruptors referenced earlier. While some of them mimic hormones, tricking our body and blocking natural hormones from doing their job, others can increase or decrease the levels of hormones in our blood by affecting how they are made, broken down or stored in our body (Endocrine Society). Green cleaning minimizes the toxic load by using safer ingredients, supporting optimal hormone functioning.

Why Green Cleaning is Important for Brain Health:​
1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Conventional cleaners often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can degrade indoor air quality and affect cognitive function. Last year, my daughter had serious allergic reactions to something in her dorm room which we assumed was dust or mold. After an air quality test, it was discovered that a reed diffuser in her room was emitting excessive VOCs; with the removal of the reed diffuser, she completely cleared up. Exposure to high levels of VOCs first manifests itself through eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea. Prolonged exposure to VOCs has been linked to long term cognitive impairment and neurological issues. Therefore, green cleaning which reduces VOC emissions, promotes a healthier indoor environment for brain health.

2. Neuroprotective Benefits: Some natural cleaning ingredients, such as vinegar and essential oils, have neuroprotective properties. Although these products can have extremely strong scents and may be unattractive for that reason, the benefits of products such as apple cider vinegar are endless (More on Apple Cider Vinegar). Vinegar and essential oils can help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to better cognitive function and overall brain health.

3. Stress Reduction: A clean and organized environment has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being. Cleaning in general can be a very relaxing and rewarding activity. When you perform this chore with the knowledge that your products and methods are benefiting your health and the environment, it begins to feel less like work and more like a gift. Green cleaning promotes a calm and toxin-free space, supporting cognitive clarity and emotional balance.

In addition to its positive impact on hormone balance and brain health, green cleaning offers numerous benefits for overall well-being. A clean and toxin-free environment fosters better sleep quality, reduces stress levels, and enhances mental clarity. Green cleaning also contributes to a healthier planet by conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and supporting sustainability efforts. Choosing eco-friendly cleaning practices isn't just about cleaning our homes; it's about creating a healthier, happier life for ourselves and future generations. So how can we make the switch?
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I know that a complete clearout and switch of your cleaning products sounds overwhelming; the good news is that you do not have to do it all at once! You can transition to greener cleaning at your own pace by implementing the suggestions below as you see fit:

- Choose Natural Ingredients: The next time you go shopping for cleaning products, make sure to take a good look at the ingredients labels. Opt for cleaning products that use natural, biodegradable ingredients. It may help to first filter the products by looking for labels like "eco-friendly", "nontoxic" and "organic" on the front, but always flip it around and check the ingredient list for authenticity.

- DIY Green Cleaners: Just like green cleaning, “do it yourself” is not just a trend! I encourage you to create your own cleaning solutions using household items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. These DIY cleaners are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and much more gentle than their chemical counterparts on the shelves. By creating your own cleaning products, you are in control of the ingredients and can choose ones that will support your hormone and brain health.

- Invest in Eco-Friendly Tools: We’ve discussed a lot about the impacts of cleaning products on your overall health, but the tools you use play a role in that too. Green cleaning tools include microfiber cloths, HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners, and eco-friendly brushes and sponges. These tools are effective, reusable, and minimize chemical exposure. While the products that you are exposed to play a more impactful role on your health, transitioning to more sustainable tools can only be more beneficial.

- Mindful Cleaning Practices: This is not specific to green cleaning, but it is important to develop a consistent routine for cleaning in your household area. Create regular cleaning habits that focus on allergen reduction, proper ventilation, and high-touch area disinfection. In doing so, you are prioritizing a clean and healthy environment for the hormone balance and brain function of you and your family members.

- Support Sustainable Brands: The first thing to look for when you’re buying cleaning products is the ingredients list. Once you’ve ensured that the cleaning product is healthy for your body and the environment, take a look around to learn more about the brand. I encourage you to choose cleaning products from companies committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Even in your shopping for cleaning products, you can make a conscious effort to support brands that prioritize health, environmental protection, and community well-being.

Green cleaning is not only about keeping our homes clean, but also about safeguarding our hormone balance, brain health and overall health.  By minimizing chemical exposure, reducing allergens, and creating a healthier indoor environment, we support optimal hormonal functioning and cognitive well-being. Transitioning towards green cleaning is a simple yet powerful journey. In doing so, you can play your part in sustaining your personal health, the wellbeing of your loved ones and the future of the planet.

While green cleaning is a great way to care for your body and the Earth more intentionally, there are plenty of opportunities to apply sustainable practices to your eating as well. Last year, I published a blog with information about healthy, sustainable diets and gave some great tips and tricks for how to get started. Check it out at the link here.

If you would like to further discuss green cleaning, sustainable eating or address any other health inquiries you have, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To learn more about my specializations and certifications read my bio attached below:
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Claudia is an NBC-HWC Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, the owner of Vibrant Health by Claudia LLC  and Virtual Health Coaches LLC. She studied Health and Wellness Coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she also completed courses in Gut Health, Hormone Health, and Advanced Coaching. She is a Havening TechniquesⓇ Certified Practitioner and certified 21-Day Sugar Detox Coach as well as a co-author of two Amazon Bestsellers “The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Soul Aligned Business” and “The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Soul Professional”.

To schedule a time for a free information call click here or join her Vibrant Health Power Community - a free Facebook Group - here.
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Disclaimer: This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits of exercise for individuals with ADHD and practical tips for incorporating physical activity into their lives. Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.