Detox Your Life: Primal-Friendly Alternatives
Primal living isn't just about the food we eat or the way we move; it also extends to the products we use every day on our bodies and in our homes. Many modern toiletries, cosmetics and cleaning agents contain synthetic chemicals our ancestors never encountered – and while our bodies are resilient, consistent exposure to these compounds can take its toll over time. By making a few thoughtful swaps, you can reduce your toxic load, support your health and live more in line with your biology.
What to Avoid
Some of the most common culprits in everyday products include:
Phthalates – Often used in fragrances, these chemicals can disrupt hormone balance.
Parabens – Widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, parabens have been linked to endocrine disruption.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) – Found in many shampoos and toothpastes, SLS can irritate the skin and strip away protective oils.
Harsh cleaning agents – Bleach and ammonia may do the job on surfaces, but they can also irritate the lungs and skin, with long-term exposure posing further risks.
These ingredients may seem unavoidable, but the good news is that there are effective, natural alternatives for nearly all of them.
Primal-Friendly Swaps
Making changes doesn't have to mean sacrificing effectiveness. Consider these simple upgrades:
Skincare – Switch to products with minimal, recognisable ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter or tallow-based balms.
Deodorant – Baking soda-based or mineral salt deodorants are simple, effective and free of hormone disruptors.
Shampoo and soap – Look for castile soap or shampoo bars that avoid synthetic foaming agents.
Cleaning – White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice can handle most household cleaning needs without the harsh chemical load. For extra power, try essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus.
Laundry – Soap nuts or fragrance-free, biodegradable detergents are gentle on both clothes and skin.
These changes may seem small, but when combined, they significantly reduce the overall chemical burden on your body.
When Non-Primal is Okay
Of course, life isn't always neatly primal. There may be moments when conventional products are necessary or simply more practical. Maybe you've got a big meeting and want the extra reassurance of a strong antiperspirant, or perhaps there's a particularly stubborn cleaning job that vinegar won't quite cut. That's fine. Living primally doesn't mean perfection; it's about balance. The more often you choose cleaner alternatives, the more you protect your long-term health.
Learn More
If you'd like to take a deeper dive into living primally in a modern world – from nutrition and movement to stress management and natural living – my book Primal Living in the UK: A Guide to Natural Health and Ancestral Living (published under James McCoy) offers practical advice tailored to everyday life here in Britain. You can find it here, or if you simply want more info, email me directly on jamie@ancestralally.coach or get in touch via my Contact page.
