How to Improve Your Gut Health Through Housecleaning Practices
When it comes to Whole Body Optimism, gut health is one of the most important things I stand by. It’s a cornerstone of what I believe in when it comes to clean living and feeling your VERY best. You may be asking what is Gut Health? Gut health refers to the balance and function of the bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract. This complex system, often called the gut microbiome, plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health. (If you need more information be sure to check out my blog specifically on Gut Health, click here!) Keeping this system in balance is essential for overall well-being, and surprisingly, your housecleaning practices can have a significant impact on it.
A study published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2019 explored the link between exposure to household cleaning products and alterations in the gut microbiome.
The research involved 4,732 participants from the Norwegian Microbiota Study, who provided stool samples for gut microbiome analysis along with details about their use of household cleaning products.
The findings revealed that exposure to these cleaning products was associated with shifts in the gut microbiome, highlighting the potential impact that household cleaning habits can have on our overall health.
Clean living isn’t just about what we eat or the products we use on our skin; it’s also about the environment we create in our homes. A clean, healthy home environment is a key part of supporting gut health, and that’s why it’s important to adopt thoughtful housecleaning practices. Hence why we are talking about it today!!
What I Mean by Housecleaning Practices
When I talk about housecleaning practices, I’m not just referring to the act of cleaning itself, but also the habits and products we use to keep our homes clean and hygienic. This includes everything from the cleaning products we choose to how we reduce dust and allergens. It’s not just about making our homes look nice—it’s about creating a space that supports our health, especially our gut health
Why Environmental Purity Matters
The environment you live in, especially your home, can either support or harm your gut health. Harmful chemicals, allergens, and poor air quality can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to issues like inflammation, allergies, and digestive problems. By choosing cleaner, more natural housecleaning practices, you can lower these risks and create a healthier environment for yourself and your family.
Environmental purity is about making sure that the products we use and the air we breathe at home are as free from toxins and harmful substances as possible. This involves being careful about the cleaning products we use, how we store our food, and how we maintain air quality indoors. By focusing on these areas, we can create a home that supports our health in every way.
Three Housecleaning Practices to Improve Gut Health
Opt for Natural Cleaning Products
Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can disrupt your body's natural balance. Ingredients like ammonia, bleach, and phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, leading to potential harm to the gut microbiome.
Example: Instead of using a commercial glass cleaner with ammonia, try mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. This natural alternative is just as effective for cleaning windows and mirrors without exposing you to toxic chemicals.
Alternatives: You can also use baking soda as a gentle abrasive for scrubbing surfaces or castile soap as an all-purpose cleaner. For a fresh-smelling and powerful disinfectant, consider a mixture of lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day offers plant-derived products that are cruelty-free and free from harsh chemicals. Better Life provides biodegradable cleaners without synthetic fragrances, sulfates, or dyes. And Bon Ami offers natural, biodegradable scouring powders that have been trusted for generations. These natural options help you maintain a clean home while safeguarding your health and the environment.
2. Reduce Exposure to Synthetic Fragrances
Many household products, from air fresheners to laundry detergents, are loaded with synthetic fragrances that can disrupt your endocrine system and, in turn, your gut health. These fragrances often contain phthalates, which are linked to hormone imbalances.
Example: Instead of using an aerosol air freshener, try simmering a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peels on the stove. This natural method infuses your home with a warm, inviting scent without harmful chemicals.
Alternatives: Consider switching to fragrance-free or naturally scented products that use essential oils. Beeswax candles or diffusing essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus can also freshen your home naturally.
Additionally, products like Molly’s Suds laundry detergent, which is free from synthetic fragrances, are a safer choice for maintaining a clean and toxin-free home environment.
Tip #3: Open Your Windows Regularly
Fresh air is vital for maintaining a healthy indoor environment, and one of the simplest ways to improve air quality is by regularly opening your windows. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to the buildup of pollutants, allergens, and moisture, which can negatively impact your gut health and overall well-being. When you open your windows, you allow fresh air to circulate, helping to reduce the concentration of indoor toxins and improve the overall atmosphere of your home.
Why It Matters: Stale indoor air can harbor a variety of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, dust, mold spores, and other allergens. These airborne particles can be inhaled, potentially disrupting the gut microbiome and leading to respiratory or digestive issues. By opening your windows, you allow fresh air to dilute these pollutants and create a healthier living space.
Alternative: If weather or air quality conditions (like high pollen counts or pollution) prevent you from opening windows regularly, consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters. These devices can help to remove airborne particles, allergens, and even some chemicals from your indoor environment, providing cleaner air without needing to open windows. Additionally, using houseplants such as snake plants or peace lilies can naturally purify the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen.
Bringing It All Together:
Creating a Gut-Healthy Home
Your home environment plays a HUUUGGGGEEE role in supporting gut health. If you make mindful choices about the cleaning products you use, ensure proper ventilation, and maintain a low-toxin living space, you will significantly impact your overall well-being—and trust me, this will impact the WORLD around you!
Creating a gut-healthy home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about making simple, intentional choices that protect not just your gut but your overall health. By integrating these practices into your routine, you’re not just cleaning your home—you’re creating your own little sanctuary.
And if you need some ideas for pantry swaps to continue your gut-healthy journey, I'm your girl! Click below for 20 Smart Pantry Swaps for Clean Living and keep your home a haven for health.
