Is Your Laundry Detergent Killing You?

In my book “Designed to Thrive” I write extensively about cleaning and self-care products and how they are toxic for humans. I also touch upon how toxic laundry detergent is. When your clothes smell clean it isn’t necessarily a “good” thing. In fact, the artificial chemicals they use to make your clothes smell good are toxic.

Name Brand Laundry Detergents contain known toxins, namely: Phthalates, Dioxane, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Formaldehyde, Chlorine Bleach, Phosphates, and a lot more.

• Phthalates: This chemicals is used to soften PVC plastics and can damage your liver and kidneys.
• Dioxane: Is a well known carcinogen
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Causes inflammation and can damage internal organs. “originally designed as a garage floor degreaser.”
• Formaldehyde: Used to preserve cadavers and is a known carcinogen, especially when inhaled.
• Chlorine Bleach: Causes inflammation; it’s a severe skin and lung irritant; and even has a pulmonary edema listed as a side effect.
• Phosphates: “Is linked to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and death from all causes in a general, healthy population. Banning phosphates in detergents is a crucial step in saving natural waterways from eutrophication—mineral poisoning that causes high die-off of native marine animal species.” [https://naturallivingfamily.com/chemicals-laundry-detergent-ingredients-dangers/]

So the answer to keeping your clothes clean and smelling good is to use natural and safe options. If you want to be a “REAL” hippie you can always make your own with some borax and soap, but if you’re not into that sort of thing, here is what we use in our home.

• ECOS – Earth Friendly Products is the maker of this laundry detergent, which is a family owned company. They are dedicated to making products that are safe for the environment, animals and people. This detergent contains plant based ingredients, is HYPO-allergenic, and it’s not toxic to the environment. “Dermatologist tested to be hypoallergenic! [Contains no] chlorine bleach, phosphates, phthalates, dyes or parabens.” [https://bestseekers.com/best-organic-laundry-detergents/]

As mentioned in my book, there are upwards of about 15-20 toxins on average in your name brand products that have been proven to disrupt your hormones, cause cancer, skin conditions, and several other problems. Why, even risk it?

This to me it’s a simple fix. This detergent works just as good as those other toxic brands and it’s even sold at your local Safeway. So why not? Try it out and let me know what you think!

Being healthy isn’t so complicated. The main thing you need to do is remove interference and add good things into your life. Yes, it’s really just that simple. Imagine if you got rid of the majority of toxic cleaning products in your home and switched them out with non-toxic versions of the same thing, don’t you think you would notice a positive difference?

In Health,

Dr. Jay