How to Reduce Your Child’s Exposure to Toxins and Support Health Naturally

It's a sad fact that we live in a world where children are exposed to more chemicals than ever before, from plastics and pesticides to artificial additives, polluted air, and residues in household products.

A 2020 study estimated that over 350,000 chemical substances have been registered for production and use globally over the past 30–40 years.

This is a situation we have never had to deal with before and is very different from when many of us parents were children. Many parents are concerned about the effect this could be having on their children. While the body is designed to detoxify naturally, ongoing exposure can place extra strain on a child’s developing systems.

Research has explored connections between certain chemicals and children’s health, suggesting links to:

• Attention

• Hyperactivity

• Immune function

• Sleep

• Hormonal balance

Some children may be more sensitive than others to chemical exposure. This could be for a number of reasons, including compromised detoxification systems or other biological factors. These children, in particular, may benefit from reducing exposure in everyday life.

How can you reduce your child’s exposure?

• Choose fragrance-free household products: Avoid room sprays, plug-ins, and candles with artificial fragrances.

• Use natural cleaning and body-care products: There are lots of companies now offering less toxic products, such as Ecover, Green People, Method, Wild Cosmetics, Tropic, Kit & Kin, and Neal’s Yard, just to name a few.

• Limit plastics, especially with food: Store food and drinks in glass, stainless steel, or food-grade silicone instead.

• Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly or buy organic to reduce pesticide exposure.

  
  

How to help your child’s body remove these chemicals

• Increase antioxidant-rich foods: Colourful fruits and vegetables packed with antioxidants can help combat the inflammation some chemicals can cause in the body.

  Encourage outdoor time and fresh air: Open windows when you can to improve airflow.

• Epsom salt baths: 2–3 times a week can help support your child’s detox systems.

• Eat cruciferous vegetables: Foods like broccoli, sprouts, and cauliflower support the liver, where detoxification takes place.

These small changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

If you would like to investigate this further, there are some wonderful and affordable tests to discover if your child is struggling with a high toxin burden. Please contact me to find out more at info@sarahmorrisnutrition.com or book a free call.