My Health Journey + Transitioning to a More Non-Toxic Lifestyle

Over the past year and a half, I’ve found myself becoming more aware of what I’m putting in and on my body, and how those small, everyday choices are quietly shaping how I feel. This hasn’t been a quick transformation or something that happened overnight, but more of a slow, intentional shift toward living a more non-toxic lifestyle in a way that feels sustainable and aligned! My health journey has been quite long and I am finally now starting to see the results I’ve wanted and needed!

For a long time, I didn’t think much about ingredients or what “clean living” really meant. I used what was convenient, what I grew up with, and what everyone else seemed to be using. But as I started paying closer attention to my health, my skin, my energy levels, and even things like sleep and hormones, I realized how connected everything truly is. The body is a wonderful thing!

Where My Health Journey Really Began

This journey started small, but it also started with a deeper curiosity. I began asking more questions about why I wasn’t always feeling my best and what might be contributing to that. Instead of just looking for quick fixes, I wanted to understand the root of what was going on.

That curiosity is what led me to begin exploring a more holistic approach to health.

A big turning point in my health journey was being diagnosed with IBS, which honestly shifted so much for me. It made me step back and really evaluate what I was putting into my body and how I was taking care of myself on a daily basis. Since then, I’ve been much more intentional about my diet, focusing on more natural, whole foods and supporting my body with high-quality vitamins, herbs, and natural forms of support wherever I can. It hasn’t been about restriction, but more about learning what my body responds well to and creating habits that help me feel my best.

Along with that, I’ve also been prioritizing movement in a way that feels sustainable and enjoyable, whether that’s getting back into swimming, lifting weights, getting bi weekly massages, adjustments every once in a while, or simply going on walks with Brady. It’s been less about doing everything perfectly and more about building a lifestyle that feels balanced, supportive, and aligned with how I want to feel every day!

Along with that, I’ve also struggled with migraines (UGH!!) and ongoing back pain for years, which has been another huge part of my health journey. My migraines started nearly 10 years ago, and for a long time they felt unpredictable and frustrating, often impacting my daily life more than I wanted to admit. Black outs from too much caffeine to the point where I can’t function or see anything, leaving classes in high school because I feel so sick from them, not being able to participate in things because of them, trying all the solutions that don’t work, and just every day life being interrupted from them!

The back pain I’ve had on and off has been something more constant, reminding me how important it is to truly support my body rather than push through discomfort. These experiences have played a big role in why I’ve become so passionate about understanding my health on a deeper level. Instead of just managing symptoms, I’ve been focused on finding more natural, supportive ways to care for my body through things like lifestyle changes, movement, and more holistic approaches. It’s still something I’m working through, but it’s helped me become so much more aware, intentional, and in tune with what my body needs.

Working with a Holistic Doctor

One of the most impactful decisions I’ve made in my health journey was choosing to work with a holistic doctor. This completely shifted the way I view my body and my health as a whole.

Instead of focusing only on symptoms, the approach became about understanding root causes, supporting my body naturally, and creating balance from the inside out. It felt less like putting a band-aid on things (like my GI doctors have done with prescribed meds, and trust me, as someone who worked in the pharmacy and medical field for years, I know prescribed meds are sometimes needed!) and more like actually learning how my body works and what it needs to function well.

Through this process, I’ve learned that our bodies are incredibly intelligent and literally do what they need to and know what we need! When we give them the right support, they are designed to heal, regulate, and function the way they were meant to.

This experience alone has changed the way I approach everything, from what I eat, to what I use on my skin, to how I move my body, to how I structure my daily habits.

Learning About Herbs + Natural Support

Another part of this journey that has been incredibly eye-opening has been learning about herbs and natural remedies. Before this, I had very little understanding of how powerful herbs can be when used intentionally.

I’ve started incorporating certain herbal practices and oils in a way that feels simple and supportive rather than overwhelming. It’s not about replacing everything overnight, but about adding in small, natural supports that work with your body rather than against it.

There’s something really grounding about going back to more natural, time-tested approaches to health. It’s helped me slow down, be more intentional, trust in what God has made, and actually understand what I’m using and why.

Transitioning to a More Non-Toxic Lifestyle

As I started learning more, it naturally led into being more mindful about the products I use every single day. This is where my non-toxic lifestyle really began to take shape.

I didn’t throw everything away (but bye bye Bath & Body Works! and more) or try to change my entire life overnight. Instead, I focused on replacing things as I ran out and choosing better options little by little. That approach made it feel realistic and something I could actually maintain long-term. It can become expensive to switch overnight, so start little and be more intentional!

From skincare to household products to what I’m exposed to daily, I’ve slowly created an environment that feels cleaner, simpler, and more supportive of my overall health. But sometimes I still love a Dr. Pepper, it’s all about balance haha!!!

Starting with Skincare + Everyday Products

One of the first areas I focused on was skincare and bodycare. What we put on our skin matters just as much as what we consume, and I wanted to be more intentional about the products I was using daily. Our skin is one of our biggest organ, and it’s so important!

I started choosing products with simpler ingredients and fewer unnecessary additives. Over time, I noticed changes not just in my skin, but in how I felt using products that I actually trusted and found to love!

From there, I began looking at other everyday items, laundry detergent, cleaning products, candles, and things I had never questioned before. It’s been a gradual process, but one that has made a noticeable difference.

Letting Go of Perfection

One of the biggest mindset shifts for me has been letting go of the idea that this has to be all or nothing. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you start learning about toxins, ingredients, and everything that could be improved.

But the truth is, this journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness and intention. Especially long term!

Even small changes matter. Choosing one better option, swapping one product, or simply becoming more aware of what you’re using is already a step forward.

Learning to Listen to My Body

More than anything, this journey has taught me to listen to my body. Paying attention to how I feel, what works for me, what might trigger a migraine, and what doesn’t has been one of the most valuable parts of this entire process.

It’s not just about following trends or labels. It’s about understanding what actually supports your body and your lifestyle in a way that feels sustainable.

Simple Non-Toxic Swaps to Start With During Your Health Journey

If you’re wanting to begin your own non-toxic lifestyle, here are a few simple places to start:

-Switching to cleaner skincare products with minimal ingredients.
-Using non-toxic laundry detergent and household cleaners.
-Choosing candles and home products without synthetic fragrances.
-Being more mindful of what you’re consuming daily.

You don’t have to do all of these at once. Starting with just one area can create a meaningful shift over time. I can always write a blog / post on socials some of my favorite products!

Final Thoughts on This Journey

This is still something I’m learning and growing in every day. My health journey isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. It’s about creating a life that supports how I want to feel, both physically and mentally.

Working with a holistic doctor and learning about more natural approaches to health has truly changed my perspective in the best way. It’s given me tools, understanding, and a deeper connection to my own well-being.

If you’re on your own journey or even just starting to think about it, my biggest encouragement is to start small and stay consistent.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Just begin!