Breast Cancer Awareness: Reducing Toxins for Women’s Health

Breast Cancer Awareness Month encourages us to reflect on women’s health. We often hear about the importance of early detection and regular checks, which are vital, but there is a big part of the conversation that deserves more attention.

We live in a world filled with chemicals. They are in our food, our beauty routines, our homes and even in the clothes we wear. Many of these chemicals act as endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with our hormones. Since hormones are closely linked to breast health, fertility, mood, and overall wellbeing, it is worth asking the question: what can we do to limit our exposure?

The good news is that you do not need to overhaul your life in one big sweep. Small swaps really do make a big difference over time. At Her Holistic Store, we are passionate about helping women feel confident about these choices. We believe that education is power, and that every woman deserves to understand how her everyday products affect her health.

What Are Endocrine Disruptors and Why Do They Matter?

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the natural messages in our body. Hormones are like tiny messengers that keep our systems balanced. They regulate cycles, mood, energy, fertility, metabolism, and even breast tissue development. When chemicals mimic or block those messages, the result can be imbalance and long-term stress on the body.

Some of the most common disruptors include:

• Parabens in skincare and cosmetics

• Phthalates hidden in fragrance

• BPA in plastics and packaging

• PFAS or “forever chemicals” in clothing, cookware, and household items
  

While it’s not realistic to avoid every single toxin, we can take back some control. Reducing our exposure to these chemicals is one of the simplest forms of prevention.

Period Care That Supports You

Period care is something most of us use for decades of our lives, yet it is rarely discussed through the lens of toxins. Conventional pads and tampons are often made with bleached cotton, plastics, fragrance, and pesticides. And these products sit against one of the most absorbent areas of the body for hours at a time.

Safer swaps include:

• Organic cotton pads and tampons free from bleach, pesticides, and fragrance

• Period underwear that is reusable, comfortable, and sustainable

• Menstrual cups which are zero waste and cost effective

These choices are not only about reducing risk, they are about respecting your body and knowing that what you are using each month is designed with your health in mind.

Nutrition for Detoxing and Hormone Balance

The way we eat has a huge impact on how well our body can process and eliminate toxins. Nutrition is one of the simplest tools we have to support breast and hormone health.

Foods and nutrients that help include:

• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower to support estrogen metabolism

• High fibre foods such as flaxseeds, legumes, and whole grains to flush out excess hormones

• Magnesium and B vitamins to support liver detox pathways

• Antioxidant rich foods like berries, turmeric, and green tea to reduce oxidative stress

At the same time, reducing alcohol, sugar, and heavily processed foods helps ease the load on the liver. Each meal is a chance to give your body support rather than stress.

Everyday Products and Hidden Toxins 

The average woman uses twelve personal care products before even leaving the house in the morning. That means hundreds of ingredients absorbed through the skin or inhaled each day.

The most common exposures include:

• Skincare and makeup with parabens and synthetic fragrance

• Deodorants with aluminium and artificial scents

• Household cleaners with bleach, ammonia, and harsh surfactants

• Perfumes and air fresheners with phthalates and synthetic chemicals

On their own, each exposure may seem small, but together they add up. This is why small swaps matter. Choosing a natural deodorant, switching to a toxin free cleanser, or replacing your household cleaners with a plant based option can lower your overall toxic load and support your hormone health.

Choose Natural Fibre Clothing

Clothing is something we rarely connect to health, but it covers our skin all day, every day. Synthetic fabrics are often treated with dyes, flame retardants, or water resistant coatings that contain chemicals like PFAS. These can be absorbed through the skin or released into the environment as microplastics.

Natural fibres, offer a safer and more sustainable option:

• Organic cotton: free from pesticides and softer on the skin

• Linen: breathable and naturally antibacterial

• Hemp: durable, low impact, and resistant to mould

• Wool: insulating, renewable, and biodegradable

By choosing more natural fibres in your wardrobe, you are reducing your exposure while also supporting a healthier environment. It is a win for you and for the planet!

Small Shifts Add Up

We know first-hand how overwhelming it is when you first learn about toxins and endocrine disruptors. The important thing to remember is that you do not need to change everything at once. Start with one area of your life and build on from there.

For example:

• Swap your deodorant for a natural one

• Try organic pads or tampons on your next cycle

• Add more greens and fibre to your meals

• Choose linen or organic cotton over polyester

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than pink ribbons. It is about advocating for women’s health in every way we can. That means access to research and treatment, but it also means education and simple steps for prevention in our daily lives.

Each small shift is a powerful step toward protecting our hormones and supporting long term wellbeing. At Her Holistic Store, we will always advocate for you, continue to share education that feels empowering, and make shopping non-toxic as honest and accessible as possible.