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E83. Ditch Plastic Straws: Hidden Health Risks & the Best Nontoxic Alternatives

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

Release Date: 03/27/2025

E86. What Surprised a Health Editor During Her 40-Day Detox Adventure — Part 1

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

Even health journalists get surprised—Alexa Lardieri reveals what she learned while detoxing her own home. Alexa Lardieri, Deputy Health Editor at DailyMail.com, has written countless articles about the dangers of toxic chemicals in our everyday products. But after completing the Ruan Living 40-Day Home Detox, she discovered just how much she didn’t know. In Part 1 of this four-part series, Alexa shares her biggest surprises—like the truth about “unscented” products and how our pets may be more at risk than we think. Resources mentioned in this episode Register for Ruan Living's...

E85: Greenwashing Alert: Why Recycled Plastics May Be Worse for Your Health

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

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 health and pregnancy outcomes, and overall well-being. In this episode, we uncover: ✅ The shocking truth about toxins in recycled plastics ✅ How “eco-friendly” plastic may be worse for...

E84. Household Repeat Offenders: The Simplest Way to Detox Your Home

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

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, . These are the everyday items in your home that expose you to toxins over and over again—and by focusing on just a few key offenders, you can simplify nontoxic living without stress. Tune in to learn: ✔ The six biggest Household Repeat Offenders lurking in your home, which are also targeted in Ruan Living's program ✔ Simple,...

E83. Ditch Plastic Straws: Hidden Health Risks & the Best Nontoxic Alternatives

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

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 alternatives, including glass, stainless steel, silicone, and plant-based options. In the United States, it's estimated that we use up to , contributing to about being dumped into our oceans. Learn how...

E82. Upgrade Your Blender: Avoid Microplastics & Toxic Chemicals in Smoothies

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

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 detox your kitchen and make every sip safer! RELATED BLOG ARTICLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE RUAN LIVING —REGISTER!

E81. Safe & Sustainable: The Best Nontoxic Food Containers for Kids

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

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 food storage that’s leak-proof, easy to clean, and kid-friendly. Tune in to protect your little ones and create a healthier, toxin-free home! [0:00] Intro [2:43] Risks From Plastic Food Containers...

E80. How Cell Phone Radiation Weakens Your Brain & Lets in Microplastics and Toxins

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

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 threaten your brain health. Listen for three simple ways to protect your brain from cell phone radiation—without giving up your devices! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE program at the ...

E79. 50% More Microplastics in Human Brains: How to Protect Yourself

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

🧠 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 neurodegenerative diseases ✅ Science-backed strategies to reduce your microplastic exposure ✅ Effective ways to support your body in eliminating plastics ✅ Practical tips to avoid...

E78. Salt as a Mindfulness Prompt: How Everyday Moments Can Support Inner Peace

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

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 choosing clean, non-toxic salt supports both physical and emotional health ✅ Simple ways salt can transform meals or cooking into a mindfulness practice 👉 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS...

E77. I Researched Salt for 120 Hours—This Is the Cleanest One to Avoid Heavy Metals & Microplastics

Practical Nontoxic Living with Sophia Ruan Gushée

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, effective ways to protect yourself from heavy metal exposure If you’re committed to a nontoxic home and a healthier body, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in now! 👉...

More Episodes

In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, we uncover the hidden dangers of plastic straws, explore their environmental impact, and reveal the safest nontoxic alternatives, including glass, stainless steel, silicone, and plant-based options.

In the United States, it's estimated that we use up to 500 million plastic straws daily, contributing to about 4.8 billion straws being dumped into our oceans. Learn how to make simple swaps for a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle.

🎧 Tune in now to detox your daily routine—protecting your brain, body, and our ecosystems!

RELATED BLOG ARTICLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Plastic Straws Are Toxic: Best Nontoxic Alternatives for Your Health

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