Practical Nontoxic Living™

Recycled Plastic: The 'Eco-Friendly' Choice That's Harming Your Health . You've been told that choosing  recycled plastic is better for the environment—but is it safe for your health? 🚨 Studies show that recycled plastics can contain even more toxic chemicals than virgin plastic, including BPA, phthalates, and hormone disruptors that compromise your endocrine system, fertility, reproductive healt...

Feeling overwhelmed by toxins in your home? You're not alone. But what if avoiding toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and EMFs was easier than you think? In this episode, I introduce Household Repeat Offenders™, a powerful concept from my critically acclaimed book, A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures . These are the everyday items in your home that expose you to toxi...

Plastic straws may seem harmless, but some can leach toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your drinks—potentially disrupting hormones, reproductive health outcomes including fertility, and overall health and development. In this episode of  Practical Nontoxic Living , we uncover the hidden dangers of plastic straws, explore their environmental impact, and reveal the safest nontoxic alterna...

Want cleaner, healthier smoothies? Your blender could be adding microplastics and toxic chemicals—like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS—straight into your drink or soup. In this episode, we reveal how hidden toxins leach into your smoothies and what they do to your health. Plus, learn how to upgrade your blender to avoid contamination and blend with confidence. Tune in for simple, expert-backed tips to d...

Are your kids' lunchboxes exposing them to hidden toxins? In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living , we break down the safest, most durable, and eco-friendly food containers for children. From stainless steel bento boxes to silicone snack bags, we explore the best plastic-free alternatives to reduce exposure to BPA, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Plus, we share tips on how to choose...

Is your phone damaging your brain? Research suggests that cell phone radiation can weaken the blood-brain barrier , allowing microplastics and other toxic compounds in your body to reach your brain more easily. In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living , learn expert insights from one of the world's leading scientists, Devra Davis, founder of the Environmental Health Trust, on how  EMFs can thr...

🧠 New research reveals 50% more microplastics in human brains—what does this mean for your health? Scientists have even found higher levels in dementia patients , raising serious concerns about long-term cognitive health. In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living , we explore: ✅ How microplastics enter the brain—and why it's alarming ✅ Whether there's a connection between microplastics and n...

What if something as simple as salt could help you cultivate mindfulness? In this episode of  Practical Nontoxic Living , we explore how salt—something we use every day—can become a powerful tool to help us be more present, mindful, and inspired to avoid plastic products. Join us as we discuss: ✅ How ordinary moments , like noticing salt at the table, can become mindfulness cues 🧘‍♀️ ✅ How choo...

Not all salt is created equal. After 120 hours of deep research, I found the cleanest salt with the lowest levels of heavy metals and microplastics based on laboratory testing—and in this episode, I'm sharing my #1 recommendation with you. You'll also learn: ✅ What a rational level of concern is over the contaminants in salt ✅ Health risks from heavy metals in salt, especially for kids ✅ Simple...

Is your salt contaminated with plastic? Microplastics have infiltrated our oceans, food supply, and even the salt we sprinkle on our meals. In this episode of the Practical Nontoxic Living Podcast , Sophia dives into the shocking truth about microplastics in salt—where they come from, how they affect your health, and the best ways to avoid them. 🔹 How microplastics end up in salt 🔹 Potential hea...

This episode features Alison Davin, founder of  Jute Interior Design , which curates beautiful spaces rooted in wellness with a focus on nontoxic materials. Her projects have been featured in Elle Decoration, Architectural Digest, and Luxe, among others. She is a member of the Design Leadership Network, the Good Future Design Alliance, and the AD PRO Directory. Alison and Sophia discuss: -How havi...

This week on Practical Nontoxic Living, Sophia Ruan Gushée details three common ways microplastics and nanoplastics infiltrate your home — and how to avoid them! Swapping these products for less toxic alternatives can protect both your long-term health, fertility, and well-being, and also the environment!  Shop: Stainless Steel Water Bottle mentioned in episode Questions? Reach out to hello@ruanli...

This episode features a short excerpt from January's Detox Workshop, all about Obesogens! This is a short overview on the most researched theories about the recent meteoric rise of obesity and metabolic syndrome across the world, and especially in the United States.  The full presentation is available via replay through the D-Tox Academy! D-Tox Academy is a membership-based library of nontoxic res...

Welcome back to Practical Nontoxic Living! This week, we have Heidi Kuimjian of Holistic with Heidi and the Lifelong podcast. Heidi is certified in Holistic Nutrition and helps people thrive holistically! Heidi and Elizabeth discuss their journeys to holistic health, nontoxic living, and their favorite tips. Enjoy! Register: Obesogens Workshop Jan 24 1-2pm EST Don't Forget: 40-Day Home Detox is op...

This week we welcome Samantha Radford (@evidence_basedmommy) to the Practical Nontoxic Living Podcast! Samantha Radford is a PhD Chemist, Public Health Expert, and mom of 4. She and Sophia share their journeys to nontoxic living and each share their top 3 easy tips to transform your health and home — without denting your budget! This episode is a must listen for nontoxic beginners or long-time pra...

This week, Daniel DeBaun, founder of DefenderShield, joins Sophia on Practical Nontoxic Living!  A former telecom engineer before creating EMF protection products, Daniel is extremely knowledgeable about wireless radiation, EMFs, and different countries' regulations. Daniel and Sophia discuss how to protect our bodies from EMF exposure, if regulations reflect the most up-to-date science, and an up...

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Sophia sits down with Nancy Buermeyer of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP). BCPP works to eliminate environmental toxins that contribute to cancer from our water, food, and consumer products. Nancy is the Director of Policy and Programming, and has influenced state and federal laws that protect consumers from these environmental toxins...

Dr. David O. Carpenter joins Sophia this week to discuss EMFs, cellphone radiation standards, and how to protect yourself from cellphone emf exposure. Dr. David O. Carpenter is a public health physician whose research areas of interest include electromagnetic fields (EMFs), other environmental contaminants (like PCBs), and their effect on human health. Practical Nontoxic Living podcast show notes:...

All about the 40-Day Home Detox program!  You can also watch this workshop replay. Seeing the slides that Sophia discusses can make it easier for you to learn about the health risks from environmental & household toxic exposures, and why a foundation of nontoxic living is so important in your home. Click here to watch. Read more about the program here: 40-Day Home Detox Questions? Reach out to...

This episode features Jenna Hua, PhD, MPH of  Million Marker.   Jenna shares her journey from working in the hospital system, to her struggles with fertility, to ultimately researching our household toxic exposures. She founded Million Marker, a mail-in body toxicity test that uses your data to improve your chances of conceiving through sustainable diet and product recommendations. Read more: " Id...

Did you know that neurotoxicants, which are exposures that can alter or compromise the structure or function of the nervous system, are found in countless household items, school supplies, and more? This episode features an excerpt from a live workshop Sophia hosted in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.  Listen to learn the current trends & statistics regarding mental health, which househ...

This week's podcast features Human Design expert Erin Claire Jones!   Erin and Sophia discuss the basics of Human Design, energy types, unique blueprints in parenting & family life.  HUMAN DESIGN BLUEPRINT: Get 10% off with code RUANLIVING at checkout here DON'T FORGET: 50% off your first month's membership at the D-Tox Academy expires May 31st! Use code SPRINGCLEANING at checkout.  FREE WORKS...

This week's episode is an excerpt from our most recent Use the News segment — all about mental health, technology, and toxins!  Don't miss our FREE workshop on mental health & household chemicals, Wednesday, May 24th at 11am EST. Register here.   Remember: through the end of May, get 50% off your first month's memberhsip at the D-Tox Academy! Use code SPRINGCLEANING at checkout.  RESOURCES Sho...

This week's episode is all about sleep & your cirdcadian rhythm! Sophia and Elizabeth discuss melatonin supplements & overdoses, cortisol, if watching the sunset can help you fall asleep at night, and more. Enjoy! To subscribe to our newsletter, register here: Free Ruan Living newsletter RESOURCES D-Tox Academy Shop Amazon — Curated by RUAN Supplement article discussed in episode

Featuring Andrew Pace! Founder, Green Design Center, healthy home concierge, and host of the Nontoxic Environments Podcast. This week's episode is an interview between Sophia and Andrew from his podcast, Nontoxic Environments, which was released earlier this year. It's filled with the basics of setting up a healthy home environment — from free tips, to adjusting your mindset, unexpected ways nonto...