INVESTIGATE:
10 Toxic Swaps I Look For With Every Client
The Wellness Journey with Michelle
Before You Start
After years of investigating what makes people sick despite doing "all the right things," I've found that these 10 swaps show up again and again. These aren't random recommendations - they're the environmental factors I investigate with every single client because they're the ones most doctors overlook.
Your body's been giving you clues. These swaps help you follow them.
Don't try to do everything at once. That's the fastest way to feel overwhelmed and give up.
Instead, pick ONE swap that feels manageable and start there. Small changes create big shifts over time.
This guide gives you Good→Better→Best options for each swap, so you can start where you are and upgrade over time.
Remember: Progress over perfection!
A Note About Affiliate Links
Some of the products I recommend include affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them - at no extra cost to you.
I only recommend products I've personally researched, used, or trust based on evidence and client results. Your trust matters more than any commission, so if something's on this page, it's because I believe it can help lighten your toxic load.
These commissions help support the behind-the-scenes work I do - researching products, testing quality, and keeping this resource updated for you.
Questions? Just ask.
SWAP #1: UPGRADE YOUR WATER
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
I look at water quality with every client because tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues that standard tests don't catch. You're drinking this water, cooking with it, and showering in it daily.
GOOD
Brita or PUR Filter Pitcher
Basic filtration removes chlorine and some contaminants. Affordable starting point.
- Shop Brita Filters
BETTER
Echo Water™ Hydrogen Water Machine
Filters contaminants AND adds molecular hydrogen for antioxidant benefits
BEST
AquaTru Countertop RO System
Removes 99% of all contaminants including fluoride and microplastics, plus adds healthy minerals back
WHAT MICHELLE USES
I use Echo Water for hydrogen-rich filtered water and AquaTru for reverse osmosis filtration.
SWAP #2: CLEAN YOUR AIR
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
Indoor air is often 2-5x more polluted than outdoor air—something most people never think to investigate. Dust, mold spores, VOCs from furniture, and allergens circulate constantly.
GOOD
Open Windows + Houseplants
Fresh air circulation and air-purifying plants like spider plants, pothos, or snake plants. Free and simple.
BETTER
AirDoctor Pro
Filtration that captures particles 100x smaller than standard HEPA—including mold spores, VOCs, and allergens
BEST
Multiple Room Coverage
AirDoctor in every main room (bedroom, living room, home office) for complete home air purification
WHAT MICHELLE USES
AirDoctor Pro in my bedroom and living room. Worth every penny for better sleep and fewer allergy symptoms.
SWAP #3: SWITCH CLEANING PRODUCTS
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
Conventional cleaners often contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and endocrine disruptors that you breathe in and absorb through your skin—but these ingredients aren't always clearly labeled.
GOOD
Seventh Generation or Mrs. Meyer's
Plant-based ingredients, widely available
BETTER
DIY with Simple Ingredients
Vinegar + Baking Soda + Castile Soap. Make your own cleaners (recipes online), costs pennies
BEST
Branch Basics
One concentrate replaces 12+ products. Non-toxic, actually works.
WHAT MICHELLE USES
Branch Basics for everything. One bottle lasts months and replaces 12+ products. Game changer!
SWAP #4: DITCH SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
"Fragrance" on labels can hide thousands of chemicals. These can disrupt hormones, trigger headaches, and accumulate in your body over time - but manufacturers aren't required to disclose what's actually in that "fragrance."
GOOD
Open Windows + Baking Soda
Fresh air is free. Baking soda absorbs odors naturally.
BETTER
Essential Oil Diffuser
Basic Ultrasonic Diffuser + Pure Essential Oils. Diffuse pure essential oils (lavender, lemon, peppermint)
BEST
Young Living Essential Oils
Pure, therapeutic-grade oils for home care and wellness
WHAT MICHELLE USES
PENDING
SWAP #5: CHANGE YOUR LAUNDRY (+ OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS)
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
Scented laundry products coat your clothes (and skin) with synthetic fragrance chemicals. You're breathing them in 24/7 - most people never connect their symptoms to something as simple as laundry detergent.
GOOD
Fragrance-Free Detergent
Seventh Generation Free & Clear or All Free Clear. Widely available, no synthetic fragrance.
BETTER
Young Living Thieves Laundry Soap
Plant-based, essential oil-infused, naturally fresh scent without synthetic fragrance
BEST
Young Living Thieves Laundry Soap + Wool Dryer Balls
Replace dryer sheets with reusable wool balls, add essential oils if desired
BONUS
HoldOn Compostable Bags
Plant-based trash bags that actually break down. Stop adding plastic to your home.
WHAT MICHELLE USES
PENDING
SWAP #6: DETOX YOUR BEDROOM
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
You spend 1/3 of your life sleeping. EMFs, blue light, and poor air quality can sabotage your sleep and recovery - and most people never think to look at their bedroom environment when they're struggling with sleep.
GOOD
Move Phone Across Room + Blackout Curtains
Charge phone away from bed, block all light sources
BETTER
HEPA Purifier + Blue Light Blockers
Clean air while sleeping, block blue light 2 hours before bed
BEST
Complete Bedroom Optimization
Organic Mattress + EMF Protection + Air Purifier. Invest in organic bedding, EMF-blocking materials, and premium air filtration
WHAT MICHELLE USES
AirDoctor in my bedroom, blackout curtains, phone on airplane mode across the room. Wake up actually refreshed!
SWAP #7: INVESTIGATE MOLD & DAMPNESS
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
This is where my own health journey started. Mold toxins (mycotoxins) can cause chronic inflammation, fatigue, brain fog - all those "mystery symptoms" doctors can't explain because they're not testing for environmental triggers. I was doing everything right with my food, but mold in my home was undermining all my healthy choices.
GOOD
Visual Inspection
Check for visible signs: water stains, musty smells, condensation on windows
BETTER
The Dust Test
Environmental DNA testing that reveals what's growing—even if you can't see it
BEST
The Dust Test + MicroBalance Products
Test first, then use maintenance products to prevent regrowth
WHAT MICHELLE USES
I used The Dust Test to uncover hidden mold in my house before contacting an IICRC inspector. Best decision I made—gave me the data I needed to take action. This discovery changed everything for my health.
SWAP #8: UPGRADE COOKWARE & STORAGE
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
Non-stick coatings (PFAS/Teflon) and plastic containers can leach chemicals into your food - especially when heated. This is one of those overlooked exposures that happens three times a day with every meal.
BETTER
Caraway Cookware
PFAS-free, PTFE-free ceramic that actually works. Beautiful and functional.
BEST
Stainless Steel + Cast Iron + Glass Storage
All-Clad Stainless + Lodge Cast Iron + Pyrex Glass. Durable, lasts forever, naturally non-toxic. Replace all plastic with glass.
WHAT MICHELLE USES
Cast iron skillet, stainless steel pots, Caraway for everyday cooking, and Pyrex glass containers for storage.
SWAP #9: CHOOSE ORGANIC & QUALITY FOOD STRATEGICALLY
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
Pesticide residues can accumulate in your body and disrupt hormones. You don't need to buy everything organic - I help clients focus on the most contaminated produce and quality protein sources.
GOOD
Focus on Dirty Dozen
Buy organic for these 12 most contaminated items (list updated each year):
2025 DIRTY DOZEN: Strawberries, spinach, kale, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, grapes, peppers, cherries, blueberries, potatoes
BETTER
Add Clean Fifteen + Quality Protein
Save money on low-pesticide items by buying the Clean Fifteen, prioritize quality meats
BEST
Join a CSA + Organic Delivery Services
Get local, seasonal, organic produce delivered weekly, plus quality meal services for busy weeks
WHAT MICHELLE USES
I buy organic Dirty Dozen always, conventional Clean Fifteen when needed, belong to a local CSA for seasonal produce, and use Pete's Real Food for busy weeks.
SWAP #10: SWAP BODY CARE & ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
WHY I INVESTIGATE THIS
Research shows the average woman uses 12+ personal care products daily - that's potentially 168 unique chemicals before breakfast. Your skin absorbs what you put on it. Your oral microbiome affects your whole-body health.
GOOD
Start with Deodorant
Native or Tom's Natural Deodorant. Aluminum-free, widely available, affordable
BETTER
Switch Skincare & Oral Care
Clean ingredients, effective formulas
BEST
Complete Body Care Overhaul
Replace everything: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, makeup, oral care with clean alternatives
WHAT MICHELLE USES
Made On Hard Lotion for skincare, Revitin toothpaste, and ORL mouthwash. My oral microbiome thanks me.
"It's your body. I help you follow the clues. 🔍"
Michelle LeMaster
Investigate. Release. Thrive.
Certified Nutrition Therapy Master (NTM) | Dr. Pompa Diet & Fasting Certified
The Wellness Journey with Michelle
Functional Nutrition & Environmental Health Coaching
I provide nutritional coaching and lifestyle support, not medical treatment or diagnosis.
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