My Chemical Free Journey
My journey towards living chemical-free began in December 2023. At that time, I had recently been prescribed a medication for my kidneys that came with a frustrating side effect: weight gain. Within two months, I saw that side effect manifest, and it took a mental toll on me. I reached a point where I couldn’t continue with this medication, and I made the decision to stop taking it altogether. That was the moment I decided to take control of my health and advocate for myself.
The first step in that process was seeing my oncologist to discontinue the medication. Next, I turned to my integrative doctor, my GP, to help guide me through the process of healing. The concept of integrative medicine, which blends conventional and complementary therapies to heal the entire person—mind, body, and soul—resonated deeply with me.
From the start, my main focus was reducing stress (as my oncologist always said, “stress grows cancer”) and minimizing the chemicals in my home. I’m realistic, and while I understand that it’s impossible to avoid all chemicals unless I live on a homestead growing and making everything I need, I knew I could certainly reduce my exposure.
Reducing stress, fortunately, turned out to be an easier step than I had anticipated. After my ex and I split five years ago, my stress level started to decrease, and when I left my job to start my own business, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Thanks to my faith, therapy, and time, I can proudly say that my stress levels are now minimal. I feel incredibly fortunate to say that, but don’t misunderstand—I’m human, and that doesn’t mean my life is without its challenges. I’ve been through some tough times, and those experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. It’s taken me five years to create the simple, happy life I live now, and I look forward to sharing more of that with you in the future.
Next Step: Reducing Chemicals in My Life
The next phase of my journey—eliminating chemicals from my home and body—was a bit more challenging. This process required a lot of research, effort, and yes, more spending. My primary focus was on food. With the help of my GP, I began learning about the chemicals in our food and how to avoid them. Unfortunately, eating clean comes with a hefty price tag in this country, and my grocery bill definitely went up. One of my biggest passions now is advocating for healthier, less-chemical-laden food that is accessible to everyone.
What shocked me the most during this research was realizing that many foods marketed as "gluten-free" or "healthy" are actually loaded with unhealthy ingredients. Now, I read everything—every label, every ingredient list. While I keep the food in my home as clean as possible, I still enjoy eating out a couple of times a week. When I do, I simply try to make mindful choices. Moderation is key, and I give myself grace along the way.
The Inspiration Behind Lived-In Life
The real turning point in my journey came when I started focusing on the chemicals in my home and personal care products. This is what ultimately led me to create Lived-In Life, something I’m incredibly excited to share with you. After 14 months of testing “clean” products—some great, some not so much, and others that just didn’t work for me at all—I’m eager to share my findings, including why certain products didn’t work and how you can make more informed choices.
A Place for Real Stories
There’s so much more to my story and my journey toward chemical-free living, but it would be impossible to fit it all into one post. This is why Lived-In Life exists. Every week, I’ll share a little more about myself, my journey, and the world of chemical-free living, including topics like beauty, home, and fashion.
I want Lived-In Life to be a space where everyone feels welcome. Honesty and openness are important to me. It’s time to talk about the things we’re all thinking but often keep to ourselves. We live in a world where we’re expected to present only the “pretty” pictures, the “good” moments, and the “happy” faces. But life is not all sunshine and roses. It’s messy, it’s hard, it’s ugly—and that’s okay. We should celebrate the beautiful moments, yes, but we should also support each other when we’re not in that place.
I’ve lived the life of outward perfection while struggling inside, and I never want to go back to that. Through sharing my story and experiences, I hope to help others feel empowered, supported, and less alone. We all deserve to feel strength and happiness, no matter where we are on our journey.
Thank you for joining me on this new chapter of living a Lived-In Life. I’m excited to walk this path together.
Food Additives to Avoid
While the FDA generally recognizes most of these additives as "safe," growing research suggests that excessive consumption may pose serious health risks. Below is a list of concerning food additives and their potential effects.
Preservatives and Additives
Sodium Nitrate (Worst Offender) – Commonly used in processed meats to prevent bacterial growth; linked to cancer in humans.
Sulfites – Preserve the freshness of prepared foods but can cause breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals.
Azodicarbonamide – Found in bagels and buns; associated with asthma.
Potassium Bromate – Used in bread to enhance volume; linked to cancer in humans.
Propyl Gallate – Added to fat-containing products; suspected carcinogen.
BHA/BHT – Fat preservatives used to extend shelf life; linked to tumor growth.
Propylene Glycol – Thickens dairy products and salad dressings; commonly used in antifreeze. Deemed "generally safe" by the FDA.
Butane – Used in chicken nuggets to maintain freshness; known carcinogen.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Flavor enhancer that may cause headaches; linked to nerve damage, heart issues, and seizures in animal studies.
Disodium Inosinate & Disodium Guanylate – Commonly found in snack foods; often contain MSG.
Enriched Flour – A refined starch found in many snacks; processed with toxic ingredients.
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) – Genetically engineered to increase milk production in cows; linked to higher levels of IGF-1, a potential cancer trigger.
Refined Vegetable Oils (Soybean, Corn, Safflower, Canola, Peanut) – High in omega-6 fats, which may contribute to heart disease and cancer.
Sodium Benzoate – A preservative in dressings and sodas; known carcinogen that may damage DNA.
Brominated Vegetable Oil – Keeps flavor oils suspended in soft drinks; linked to organ damage and birth defects. Not always listed on food labels.
Olestra – A fat substitute used in some snacks; can cause digestive issues and may negatively impact heart health.
Carrageenan – Thickening agent in many processed foods; associated with ulcers and potential cancer risk.
Polysorbate 60 – Thickener in baked goods; linked to cancer in laboratory studies.
Carnauba Wax – Used in chewing gum and food glazes; may contribute to tumor formation.
Magnesium Sulfate – Found in tofu; may cause cancer in lab animals.
Chlorine Dioxide – Used to bleach flour; linked to hyperactivity in children and tumors.
Parabens – Prevent mold and yeast growth; disrupt hormones and may be linked to breast cancer.
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose – Thickener in dressings; high doses could increase cancer risk.
Aluminum – Used as a preservative in some packaged foods; potential carcinogen.
Artificial Sweeteners to Avoid
Artificial sweeteners are regulated by the FDA, but some remain controversial due to potential health risks.
Saccharin (Worst Offender) – Carcinogen linked to bladder cancer in rats.
Aspartame – Excitotoxin and suspected carcinogen; may cause dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and digestive issues.
High Fructose Corn Syrup – Genetically modified sweetener linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and insulin resistance.
Acesulfame Potassium – Common in diet sodas and ice creams; linked to lung and breast tumors in lab studies.
Sucralose (Splenda) – May cause liver and kidney swelling and thymus gland shrinkage.
Agave Nectar – High in fructose; associated with insulin resistance, liver disease, and chronic inflammation.
Bleached Starch – Found in some dairy products; may contribute to asthma and skin irritation.
Tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) – Preserves fish products; high doses linked to stomach tumors.
Artificial Food Colorings to Avoid
Food dyes enhance appearance but may cause health issues, including hyperactivity in children and cancer.
Red #40 (Worst Offender) – Petroleum-derived dye linked to cancer and hyperactivity in children; banned in some European countries.
Blue #1 – Found in candy and soft drinks; may damage chromosomes and increase cancer risk.
Blue #2 – Used in pet food and candy; linked to brain tumors.
Citrus Red #1 & #2 – Used to color oranges; can damage chromosomes and may cause cancer.
Green #3 – Common in beverages and candy; potential bladder tumor risk.
Yellow #5 & #6 – Found in desserts, candy, and baked goods; associated with kidney tumors in studies.
Red #2 & Red #3 – Used in baked goods and candy; carcinogenic and may cause thyroid cancer and nerve damage.
Caramel Coloring – Present in sodas, sauces, and breads; when ammonia-processed, it has been linked to cancer in mice.
Brown HT – Found in packaged foods; may trigger hyperactivity, asthma, and cancer.
Orange B – Used in hot dog and sausage casings; high doses may harm the liver and bile duct.
Bixin, Norbixin, and Annatto – Natural food colorings that may trigger hyperactivity and asthma in children.
🚨 Reminder: Although Red #3 has been banned, companies have until 2027 to fully remove it from products—stay vigilant.
Final Thoughts
While food manufacturers claim these additives are safe, scientific research continues to uncover potential risks. Reading ingredient labels and choosing minimally processed foods can help reduce exposure to these harmful substances.
