Why I Decided to #TossTheToxins

CIRS - A Diagnosis

About a month ago, I was diagnosed with CIRS, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.
CIRS is a biotoxin illness, that occurs in those with a genetic predisposition, often following a biotoxin exposure.
Biotoxin exposures include environmental exposure, whether it simply be breathing polluted air or living in a water damaged building, infested with mold, tick or spider bites (often causing Lyme disease,) ingestion of reef fish or mold contaminated food products/ingredients, and/or direct contact with contaminated water.
In my case, we believe this could’ve happened from mold/asbestos exposure at sleep-away camp when I was about thirteen years old, but, given my genetic susceptibility, it’s possible it could have happened in a series of events and exposures, over the years.
Believe it or not, receiving this diagnosis was actually a huge relief for me. I’ve been beaming these last couple of weeks, after finally securing this diagnosis as the route cause of nearly fifteen years of chronic illness.
CIRS is linked to, and often misdiagnosed as, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, allergies, “IBS” symptoms, including SIBO, Candida, H. Pylori, and other gut health related infections and conditions. It has even been found to affect mental health, causing and impacting the development of ADD/ADHD, PTSD, hypochondria, depression, and anxiety.
So, how do I handle and treat an autoimmune disorder, that I essentially have no control over?
Tossing the toxins.

Before I received my diagnosis, I felt pretty in tune with my body. I had worked so hard to heal, dedicating myself to clearing and cleaning my system of all food allergens, intolerances, additives, gums, thickeners, and artificial flavorings, that I began noticing other environmental triggers.

I became incredibly sensitive to fragrances, sprays, lotions, and even cosmetics. But, every time I cleaned our apartment, using Clorox, Windex, or Mrs. Meyer’s, I would end my cleaning frenzy with a massive migraine, brain fog, nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, skin inflammation, and digestive relapses. To be honest, I just felt like shit.

I had no idea which products were safe for me to be around, until I came across Branch Basics.

Branch Basics is a female run company, promoting the use of non-toxic, Made Safe Certified, cleaning products and laundry detergents. Their multi-purpose concentrate is plant and mineral based and sustainably sourced. This blend of essential oils is free of fragrances, harmful preservatives and toxic chemicals, while being human and planet safe, cruelty free, non-GMO, and biodegradable. So, I fell in love (obviously) and purchased my first Starter Kit, stuffed our toxic cleaning products under the sink, and never looked back.

BUT, I had no idea, until Branch Basics’ #TossTheToxins campaign, that even though I wasn’t spraying those toxic cleaning products, they were still intoxicating my environment, simply by being in my home! So, I. Tossed. That. Garbage.

Branch Basics #TossTheToxins campaign, is spreading awareness about environmental toxicity, caused by modern day products. Although these products are put away and stored under our sinks or cabinets, they are still emitting toxic gases into the air, affecting the air quality of our homes. So, the safest bet, whether you have a medical diagnosis or not, is to clear it all out.

If you aren’t sure whether or not your products are toxic, head on over to Home Cleanse or get your free printable guide, A Guide by Branch Basics’ Marilee Nelson.