August 26, 2025 • 30 mins
When you or someone you love is facing cancer, the world can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to making your home and body a safer place to heal.
In this heartfelt episode of the Believe Big Podcast, host Ivelisse Page sits down with Caitlin Fierro, founder of Non Toxic Home and a certified holistic nutrition consultant, to talk about simple, realistic ways to lower your toxic load and support your health.
Caitlin opens up about her own health struggles and how they inspired her to help others make small, impactful changes in their daily lives. Together, she and Ivelisse unpack the “hidden” toxins many of us live with—from cleaning products to personal care items—and how they can impact healing and recovery. You’ll hear practical tips for choosing safer alternatives, using water and air filters effectively, and creating a healing environment at home—especially important for those navigating cancer treatment.
This isn’t about doing it all at once—it’s about starting where you are, making one change at a time, and giving your body the best possible chance to heal. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or survivor, you’ll walk away with tools you can use right now and hope for the journey ahead.
Plus, don’t miss the special invitation to the upcoming 2025 Believe Big Integrative Cancer Symposium, where you can learn even more about bridging the best of conventional and complementary care.
Learn more about Caitlin Fierro on her website:
Suggested Resources:
- Non-Toxic Homes - Blog
- Clearly Filtered (water filtration system)
- Environmental Working Group (EWG)
- Branch Basics - clean cleaning products
- Root & Splendor - laundry detergent
- Blueland - eco-friendly cleaning products
- Aunt Fannie's - natural cleaning agents
- Freddie - laundry detergent sheets
- Fontana Candles - non-toxic home scents
- Clare Paint - zero VOC interior paint
- Pact - organic cotton clothing
- Mate the Label - organic clothing
- Wooly - merino wool clothing
- The Kitchen Today (tallow) - how to purify beef tallow
Send us Fan Mail! Click here >
Your donations power our podcast's mission to support cancer patients with hope, insights, and resources. Every contribution fuels our ability to uplift and empower. Join us in making a lasting impact. Donate now! 🌟
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Ivelisse Page (00:06):
Hi, I'm Ivelisse Page, and thanks for listening
to the Believe Big podcast, theshow where we take a deep dive
into your healing with healthexperts, integrative
practitioners, biblical faithleaders, and cancer thrivers
from around the globe.
(00:35):
Welcome to today's episode onthe Believe Big Podcast.
My name is Ivelisse Page and I'mexcited to be with you for this
latest episode.
Today, we welcome CaitlinFierro, a passionate advocate
for holistic healthcare and thefounder of Non Toxic Home.
Caitlin's personal healthjourney began in her early 20s
(00:56):
after being diagnosed withceliac disease.
Despite adhering to a strictgluten free diet and consulting
with all the best doctors andspecialists in New York City,
Caitlin's health issuescontinued.
2014 marked the turning pointfor Caitlin as she turned
towards functional health careand recovery ending years of gut
(01:19):
issues, inflammation, hormonalimbalances, and anxiety with
just four months.
Caitlin earned a degree incertification in functional
nutrition and as a certifiedholistic nutrition consultant
and esteemed toxic load expert.
She pioneers a unique healthcarepractice that stands at the
(01:41):
intersection of holisticnutrition and environmental
toxin elimination.
Her philosophy is clear, andimpactful to unearth and address
the root causes of health issuesmoving beyond simply managing
systems and symptoms.
Caitlin is a wife and a mother,and as such, the well being of
(02:03):
her family is her top priority.
Welcome to the show, Caitlin.
Caitlin Fierro (02:08):
Thank you.
Thank you so much for theintroduction.
Thanks for having me.
Ivelisse Page (02:11):
Yes, we're so excited to speak with you today.
And our listeners are alwayswanting to know what our guest's
favorite health tip is.
So do you have one that youcould share with us?
Caitlin Fierro (02:22):
Yeah, so I would say my favorite health tip is
that you are not your diagnosis.
And I think that we areconditioned to go to the doctor
and get a diagnosis.
And when we get that diagnosisin Western medicine, typically
the answer is one of two things,medication or surgery, but
there's so much more to that,right?
(02:43):
And, um, I think that people arelooking for more and I want
people to know there is moreright in the functional
integrative medicine space.
There are so many options youhave outside of medication and
surgery and sometimes you canlook at those options and not
have to go through medication orsurgery or sometimes integrative
and functional medicine can helpsupport and aid in better
(03:06):
healing with medication andsurgery.
So, that's my health tip.
I tell that to everybody becauseI think we're overly conditioned
to hold onto a diagnosis andidentify with the diagnosis.
Ivelisse Page (03:18):
Yes.
And our minds are such apowerful tool.
And so if you are constantlythinking that is who you are,
then your healing is going totake that much longer.
So I love that you are not yourdiagnosis.
So, so what inspired you tostart Non Toxic Homes and how
did your journey, I know weshared a little bit about it in
(03:38):
the intro about the holisticcare and environmental toxin
elimination, but how did itbegin?
Caitlin Fierro (03:45):
Yeah.
So for me, like many functionalpractitioners, um, I really got
into this space based on my ownhealth journey.
Like you mentioned in 2012, Iwas diagnosed an auto-immune
condition.
And then for two years after Iwas just struggling.
Um, and I was living in New YorkCity and I'm going to all the
quote unquote best doctors andseeing all these specialists and
(04:06):
really nobody could help me.
It was really frustrating.
I was either getting offeredprescription meds that just like
didn't fit my needs or they wererecommending medications that
when I tried them I just hadmore symptoms and my symptoms
were worsening.
And for me, I just had thisturning point.
I was at an allergist and um, Itell this story'cause it was
(04:29):
such an interesting experience.
I'm at this allergist and he'sdoing this skin test on me and I
hate needles.
Like I absolutely hate needles.
I have my whole life and Isigned up this day to do like 80
needles in my back.
That's how desperate I was.
And I'm laying there and he'sabout to do the needles and he
goes, I just want you to knowthat these tests are not that
(04:50):
accurate.
So despite the results that weget, it may not be conclusive
for us.
And I just started crying and Iremember sitting there and being
like, why am I doing this?
Why am I doing this to myself?
And I went home that day and Iwas so close to giving up.
And the next day I gotrecommended to a naturopathic
(05:11):
doctor in New York.
And I remember at the time beinglike, Oh my God.
No, not one more doctor.
And I'm like, is this woman justgoing to wave incense at me and,
and heal me?
And that was really what Ithought about integrative and
functional medicine.
And that was all I thought,which wow, so naive to, I think
back on it now.
(05:32):
And um, I went to thatnaturopathic doctor, like you
mentioned, and she justcompletely opened my eyes to
functional medicine, easternmedicine, whatever you want to
call it, right?
Um, and I just was so in awe ofwhat they could offer, right?
Like I sat down with a doctorand I was so used to getting a
15 minute appointment and wespent two hours together.
(05:56):
And I was like, wow, this womanwants to know how I was born.
If I came, if I came through thebirth canal, if I was a C
section baby, like just suchdetail.
And like you mentioned withinfour months, my symptoms were
gone.
You know, I, and I wassuffering, you know, for me, I
had anxiety and depression.
(06:16):
I had, um, a really lowfunctioning immune system.
I had gastro issues and theywere all gone within four
months.
After, like, two years ofseeking help, and after being
diagnosed, you know, in 2012,and so, it was just shocking for
me, and, um, that experiencereally, like, just portrayed my
(06:41):
kind of obsession and curiositywith the integrative and
functional healthcare space.
Ivelisse Page (06:47):
Yeah, that's just incredible.
In four months, like, I hearthat all the time.
And it's not just one person.
You know, when you get to theroot cause of what's happening,
you're just not masking thesymptoms.
So Caitlin, I know that we'regoing to be talking about
environmental factors today, butI know that there are those
listening and they'll want toknow, you know, what did she do?
(07:08):
So do you mind just sharing whatyou think the top three things
that you did that healed yourgut in that four month period?
Caitlin Fierro (07:16):
Yeah, so I would say number one, just looking at
my gut, like for all thespecialists and doctors I saw no
one even really took a goodlook, right?
And so you can do that throughstool testing that really gives
you a clear picture of what'sgoing on in the gut, pathogens,
bacteria, potential parasites,fungal overgrowth.
And then that gives you aroadmap for healing the gut.
(07:38):
I think the second thing I didwas just really clean up my
diet.
I have been gluten free for twoyears, but I wasn't really
reading labels.
I was just eating gluten free,not realizing like there were
all these preservatives andadditives and gut destroyers in
these gluten free foods, quoteunquote.
(07:59):
Um, and then I would say thelast thing for, for me is that
supplement propersupplementation is really
powerful when you're using italong with functional testing.
And I think that's what reallyhelped me get where I needed to
be.
We had blood work and stool thatcould tell us like, okay, here's
where Caitlin is deficient.
(08:20):
Here's where we need to cleanthis up.
We can do this, implement asupplement plan for the next X
months, and we'll see progress.
Ivelisse Page (08:27):
I love that.
Those are really great.
It's great advice and it, and itis different for everyone.
So I loved how you shared, youknow, the general, the general
tips, because what you might'veneeded as a supplement, it may
be different for someone elsewith, with gut issues.
So yes.
Yes.
So let's get into environmentaltoxins.
You know, can you explain howenvironmental toxins impact our
(08:50):
health and why reducing ourtoxic load is so crucial?
Caitlin Fierro (08:56):
Yeah.
So I can, what I can share isoverall environmental toxins
impact all aspects of ourhealth.
I mean, everything from we'retalking infertility, cancer,
autoimmune conditions, thyroiddysfunction, respiratory damage,
allergens, I mean, the list goeson and on, um, and I'll give an
example.
So, today, when it comes topersonal care and cosmetics, we
(09:19):
actually allow 11, 000ingredients in our products, and
less than 1% of them have beentested for safety on humans.
But yet we have the research andstudies that show that these
ingredients are causing chronichealth conditions, but we're not
moving fast enough to removethem from conventional products.
And so to me, the only answer tothat is you really have to do it
(09:43):
on your own or with apractitioner's support.
And I'm sure you know this,right?
Right now, 90 to 95% of cancercases.
are non genetic, meaning they'recoming from the person's
environment, from environmentaltoxins or lifestyle choices.
And so to me, as an individualand as a practitioner, that
(10:04):
says, wow, if this is somethingthat like, I can and within
reason control, right?
At least in my own home, andthis is going to benefit my
health and lower my risk forchronic health conditions and
cancer.
Well, then I'm definitely goingto do that.
Ivelisse Page (10:20):
Yes, it's amazing because people will say, wow,
you know, we've seen a thepediatric cancer rates just
skyrocket recently.
Mm.
And it's, it's no surprise, Imean, the environmental
toxicities that a mom walksthrough, they say on average,
um, a baby's umbilical cord hasover 200 toxic chemicals in it.
(10:40):
I mean, it's just crazy.
So knowing all of this, youknow, we can't live in a bubble,
you know, we can't avoid all ofit.
But what would you say are topthree changes that someone can
make in their home tosignificantly reduce their
exposure to toxins?
Caitlin Fierro (10:57):
Yeah, I would say for me, the top three are
water.
So meaning get a water filter inyour house, whether it's a whole
house filtration system or ifyou can't afford something like
that, you can get an under thesink water filtration system.
Um, I love Clearly Filtered.
I think it's absolutely amazing.
Um, they also make ClearlyFiltered water bottles on the
(11:20):
go, so I love that because ifyou're on the go and you have
tap water at a restaurant, youcan just pour it in your own
water bottle.
Number two I would say is yourair.
Indoor air quality is actuallyworse than outdoor air quality
often, and people don't knowthat, and so getting a HEPA air
filter at home, especially inthe rooms that you're in most
often, so like your family room,living room, your bedroom, in a
(11:43):
basement, anywhere that could bedamp or wet is really important.
And then I would say numberthree for me is tossing toxic
chemicals, um, and cleaningproducts and personal care
products and just simplifying, Ithink, you know, people get
overwhelmed because the internethas this swap culture of like
(12:04):
swap this for that, swap thisfor that, which I think is
really great.
But I know, at least for me,when I work with people one on
one, I go into their homes andthey've got 25 cleaning
products.
And I'm like, we could simplifyyou down to like five or six.
Or I see people with 20 to 40personal care products.
I'm like, we could simplify youdown to 10 to 12.
(12:25):
And so I think we have to getaway from this, like, swap
culture and talk aboutsimplifying also.
Ivelisse Page (12:33):
I love that you say that, because so many people
do get overwhelmed with so manythings and especially someone
who's dealing with a cancerdiagnosis and trying to do all
the right things for themselvesphysically on top of the
emotional and spiritual side.
So I love those.
Those are three easy, simplethings.
I love the Clearly Filteredwater bottles.
(12:55):
We, I have a whole home waterfilter as well.
My husband, Jimmy and I, wetravel with that water bottle
because Even at the airports youcan fill up and you know that
it's removing the toxins and thefluoride even though it says
it's filtered water.
Um, it doesn't have all thepathogens out.
So I, I love the idea of yousaying to put the restaurant
(13:16):
water in there.
I haven't done that.
So I, I love that.
And we can put links, um, in theshow notes in regards to your
favorites and ours so thatpeople can just have direct
links and not have to do all theresearch behind those favorite
things that you mentioned.
Caitlin Fierro (13:33):
Yeah.
Ivelisse Page (13:34):
What role does holistic nutrition play in
creating a non toxic lifestyleand how do the two intersect in
your practice?
Caitlin Fierro (13:43):
Yeah.
So I think that for me, holisticnutrition is really about eating
for health.
And I think it really is aboutreducing toxic load and for me,
this is really the foundation,right?
Um, and when I'm working withsomeone, especially if they have
a chronic health condition, Ireally like to start with
holistic nutrition because, youknow, we can remove the lip balm
(14:04):
that has petroleum, sure, but ifyou're eating cake, cookies,
chicken nuggets, gum that allhave petroleum in them, did we
really do our job?
No, not really.
And so I think we really have tostart with the foundation and
then we move on to, okay, let'stalk about your products.
(14:24):
Let's talk about your home andreally let's expand from there
because I mean, we eat threemeals a day.
We are, and we are putting thisdirectly in our body, right?
And we are metabolizing andingesting these things.
So it's really, reallyfoundationally important.
And I do see in my practice atleast many, many people, if
they've started as one type ofclient, we've been more focused
(14:46):
on nutrition.
They do tend to get moreinterested in their reducing
toxic load because it comes up,right?
Like we can't talk aboutnutrition and not talk about
reducing other toxins and viceversa.
Ivelisse Page (14:58):
Yes.
That's great advice.
Believe Big (15:01):
If you love today's conversation with Caitlin Fierro
and feel inspired to take chargeof your health through holistic
living, just wait until youexperience what's coming next.
Join us at the 2025 Believe BigIntegrative Cancer Symposium
happening Saturday, September13th in Towson, Maryland, or
virtually from wherever you are.
(15:23):
You'll hear from Caitlyn Fierroherself, along with other top
leaders in integrative cancercare like Dr.
Derek Guillory.
Dr.
Michelle Niesley, Dr.
Zubin Mariola, and Jay Richards.
This one day event is packedwith the latest breakthroughs,
powerful healing tools andpractical steps to help you or a
loved one thrive through cancerand beyond.
(15:46):
In-person spots are going fast,so head to believebig.org to
register today.
You can even choose a virtualticket or be a blessing and
sponsor a ticket for a cancerpatient.
Together, let's rise, heal, andthrive.
Ivelisse Page (16:04):
So going back to environmental toxins, you know,
how can cancer patients improvethe air quality in their homes
besides an air filter?
And what tools or strategies doyou recommend for ensuring
clean, toxic free air?
Caitlin Fierro (16:20):
Yeah, so there's a number of things that you can
do.
Yes, of course, get the airfilters, right?
But I think getting a HEPAvacuum is really important.
Having a schedule or aconsistent basis where you're
cleaning your rugs and couches,under beds, getting your air
ducts cleaned annually.
That's important.
(16:41):
Um, getting indoor plants tohelp purify some of your air,
opening your windows.
And then I would say deepcleaning your house like one to
two times a month is reallyimportant.
And my absolute biggest tip foreveryone is absolutely no shoes
in the house.
Shoes in the house are just,they bring in bacteria, germs,
(17:02):
pesticides, herbicides, heavymetals, allergens.
You know, I'm a stickler forthat.
I, my family always gives me alittle bit of a hard time for it
because when I host holidays, Iput a sign outside my house that
says Merry Christmas, come onin, leave your shoes outside and
I put little empty baskets, butit's just because I, you know,
wear a shoe free home and it'snot, it's not about you, it's
(17:24):
not about where you've been, butit's just about, I don't want
extra indoor pollutants in myhome.
Ivelisse Page (17:30):
Yes.
Yeah, I agree.
Anything that we can do tominimize is important.
Now, what type of cleaningproducts are safest for those
with a compromised immunesystems, like those listening
today?
And, and how can patientsidentify truly non toxic
options?
There's a lot of greenwashingtoday, you know, for those who
(17:51):
don't know what greenwashing is,it's when companies mislead
customers and consumers abouttheir eco friendly products and
practices.
Caitlin Fierro (17:59):
Yeah, so I think when it comes to cleaning
products, if you'reimmunocompromised, you really
want to look for plant based andmineral based enzymatic formulas
with no preservatives orfragrance.
I think one thing that I'll sayis EWG is a great resource.
You want to look for their Arated cleaning products, but
(18:19):
I'll say beyond that, you stillwant to read the ingredient
list.
And obviously a cleaning productis not like a food item, right?
Sometimes it's not on there, butyou can look it up.
And my rule of thumb is if it'slonger than eight to ten
ingredients, it's most likelynot non toxic.
And I would say lastly, youreally want to buy from a
trusted brand and resource,right?
(18:40):
We carry on our online store acouple of cleaning and laundry
products, but I think some greatbrands to know about today,
Branch Basics is one of them.
Root Splendor is one of themBlueland.
Aunt Fannie's, these are brandsthat I tried and true and
trusted and are also really highperforming and high quality.
Ivelisse Page (19:00):
I love that.
Yeah.
That's the other side of it,right?
It's not only are they clean,but high performing, especially
in the laundry side.
You know, I've, I think I had togo through 10 before I found one
that was helpful to clean, fullyclean our clothing.
And I think it's Freddies, Ithink that's the one that I use
the little sheets.
(19:20):
But why, you mentioned it,fragrances, you know, it's a
topic for a lot of people,especially scented candles and
air fresheners.
So can you share why it's soimportant to find safer
alternatives than candles andair fresheners, especially for
cancer patients?
Caitlin Fierro (19:39):
Yeah, so what I can say about fragrance is,
fragrance is just a name on alabel, um, typically with air
fresheners, perfumes, candles,it's also in personal care
products, um, but what thatmeans in the United States is it
actually can be up to 3, 000different ingredients or
chemicals.
Yeah, and so many of these arecarcinogens, endocrine
(20:02):
disruptors, allergens, so youreally actually don't know what
you're getting at all.
And so it's really important tostay away from fragrance as an
ingredient.
I mean, I actually wish on thelabel, it just said other
because truthfully, that is whatit is.
And I would say just like saferoptions.
(20:24):
A simmer pot is a great optionat home.
You can Google a simmer potrecipe and most likely you have
the ingredients in your home.
I also really love FontanaCandle, they're an absolutely
incredible brand.
We carry them on our site.
And what I love about FontanaCandle is all of their candles
are truly non toxic, very simpleingredients.
(20:45):
Um, and they're a family ownedbusiness that started Fontana
Candles because they came from afamily with immunocompromised
folks, chemical sensitivity,family members, family members
with lymphoma.
And so they really know howimportant it is to produce high
quality, truly non toxiccandles.
Ivelisse Page (21:06):
Love it.
Thank you for sharing thosealternatives.
I'll definitely look them up.
I don't think I've heard ofthem, so I'll definitely.
Oh, you'll love them.
Check them out.
Are there any specific materialsin furniture and bedding and
home decor that cancer patientsshould avoid due to the toxin
exposure?
Caitlin Fierro (21:23):
Yeah.
So, and this is a big one,unfortunately, right?
Cause we're.
I'm surrounded by the things inour homes.
But I would say number one forme is probably polyurethane
foam.
It's found in mattresses, sofas,couches, chairs.
One of my best advice that I cangive to everyone listening is
that one of the biggest investinvestments you can make for
(21:44):
yourself is a non toxicmattress.
You spend a third of our life onour mattress.
And so you don't want VOCs thatare off gassing for years and
breathing them in, right?
They can cause respiratorydamage, trigger asthma, um,
increase the risk of cancer.
So you really, that's aninvestment that I would say to
(22:05):
everyone listening, it'simportant.
There are other materials likeflame retardant, phthalates,
benzene, formaldehyde.
Um, one of the big ones that Isay to folks that they, when it
comes back to VOCs, they don'tthink of is paint.
So, um, there's a great brandcalled Claire that sells zero
(22:28):
VOC paint.
Um, and they have all the prettycolors, right?
They've got those Benjamin Mooreesque colors that you still
want.
We use it in my house.
And it's incredible and so Iwould highly recommend them
because we paint our house foryears and years and years and so
especially when it comes to Ialways think of moms setting up
nurseries and they're likepainting nurseries and I'm
(22:50):
always like have you heard ofClaire because those are babies
we don't want to put them in aspace that's immediately just
full of toxins.
Ivelisse Page (22:57):
Yes, yes.
I, I also am slowly switching,um, most of my things to like
wool products, you know, like mywool comforter.
It is super cozy andcomfortable.
It's warm in the winter and coolin the summer.
So I really love that insert formy duvet and wool carpeting.
Those are some, some big onesthat I think a lot of people
(23:19):
don't realize even, you know,exercise, um, uh, Yes, so share,
share about that real quick asfar as like clothing, because I
think sometimes we don't thinkabout how clothing affects us
too.
Caitlin Fierro (23:36):
Yeah.
So a lot of times, especially inathleisure clothes, there's PFAs
in them, so forever chemicals.
And I always think, especially,and there was an article about
this, I think it came bigarticle two or three years ago
about PFAS in our most sensitiveareas.
So we're talking, you know, inthe crotch area, on our breasts,
(23:56):
right next to our lymph nodes.
And we're wearing these itemsall day long.
So what I always say with folksis if you're going on that, low
tox, non tox journey, obviouslyI don't expect you to throw out
all your clothes, right?
That would just be a littleabsurd, but I say to everyone,
start with undergarments, startwith socks, that kind of stuff.
So if you're still wearing thosepants that have the forever
(24:19):
chemicals, but you've got a nontoxic, organic, cotton underwear
on, you're a little safer.
So I think that's where tostart.
And then over time, there aregreat brands like Pact or Make
the Label, and they make so manyamazing non toxic, organic
clothing that, and it rangesfrom like athleisure to work
(24:39):
clothes.
So you really can, you can findoptions.
Ivelisse Page (24:43):
Yes.
Yeah.
And I just discovered Woolly,that's another one that I have
been testing and, you know,wonderful undergarments.
And, um, I think I even boughtsome athletic pants from them
and they were comfortable, notitchy.
Cause I'm very sensitive to thewhole itchy thing and none of
it.
So I love them Make the Labeltoo.
(25:04):
So I'm glad you shared that oneas well.
Um, and I'm really thankful foryou too, because you're sharing
some great tips withoutoverwhelming people'cause I know
on this journey, there manytimes patients are overwhelmed.
There are just some basic smallchanges you can make.
And then if you just startadding smaller changes and
continue to make them, you know,by the end of the year, imagine
(25:26):
what you can do.
You don't have to do everythingat once.
But just even take each month,I'm going to focus on a
different area and, and minimizewhat's in my home, what I put on
my body, what I'm eating.
So I appreciate your tips somuch.
Um, I know we have a few minutesleft, and so I would love for
you to touch, if you could, onnon toxic personal care products
(25:48):
and what ingredients we shouldbe avoiding.
Caitlin Fierro (25:51):
Yeah.
So, I mean, they really range,like I mentioned earlier,
there's up to 11, 000 chemicals.
I think what we really want tobe avoiding in personal care
products are anything that's acarcinogen, endocrine disruptor,
definitely fragrance, definitelyany allergen or immunotoxicant.
Those are really dangerous.
(26:13):
I think when it comes topersonal care, my biggest advice
to everyone is to simplify.
I know we kind of went over thatearlier, but you, there's this
like, you know, consumerism andmarketing that we've all grown
up with, right?
Like constantly on my phone, adfor this, ad for that as a
woman, right?
Like this will get rid of yourwrinkles.
(26:34):
This will get rid of yourredness.
So we're so easy to click andpurchase.
Um, but I think when it comes togoing non toxic, there are
amazing brands, both in personalcare, cosmetics, I mean, hair
care, everything that are trulynon toxic plant based organic,
simple ingredients and that arehigh performing.
(26:55):
So I think once you find thosebrands, you can simplify, you
can commit to them.
You can also save money thisway.
I think people are, I have,there's this other notion that
going non toxic is so expensiveand I really, you know,
especially when I work withpeople one on one, I love to
like kind of myth bust therebecause I'll, I'll tell them
(27:15):
like, all right, these are, it'show much your 40 products cost.
And we can get you down to 10.
This is how much this is goingto cost.
And so I think just knowing thatit can be done and that you can
find products that are highperforming and high quality and
that do the same.
Ivelisse Page (27:32):
Yes.
I agree.
And I've tried to do that myselfand, you know, um, over the
holidays, I tried something newand we have a local farmer that
I, that I buy from and Ipurchased a grass fed, grass
finished tallow from around thekidneys from this woman.
It had like five pounds of it.
And I used it for cooking, but Ialso made my own tallow cream
(27:56):
and it's not that difficult todo.
And I made jars and jars of it.
And what I love about it isthat, uh, my, my whole family is
using it.
My daughter's skin is better.
Um, I use it for my elbows andthe heels of my feet.
My husband loves it.
So it's like one product thatour whole family is using.
And it, that whole batch of fivepounds, I think once I added the
(28:21):
olive oil to it and, um, andsome essential oils, I think in
total, it was like 20.
you know, and it'll last us ayear.
So there are some things thatyou can even do at home, uh, to,
to simplify, like you're saying,and products that everyone can
use that are healthy for yourskin.
So, um, is there anything that Ididn't ask you that you feel,
(28:45):
you know, you wanted to mentionbefore we close out our episode
today?
Caitlin Fierro (28:49):
No, I think just, you know, for anyone
listening today, like we, we'vetalked about this so many times,
but the non toxic journey can beoverwhelming.
I think that there's also this,you know, I see, and I get
frustrated as a practitioner.
I see a lot of social mediainfluencers in the non toxic
space promoting green washproducts.
(29:10):
And I know you mentioned thatearlier and it's something that
frustrates me because I thinkpeople are trying to do better
and then they're going on socialmedia and they're just like, So
much noise.
And so I think as you're goingthrough this journey, find a
trusted resource, find a trustedpartner, um, and find someone
who, who's not biased, right?
I think there's a lot of peoplewho are biased and bought out in
(29:31):
this space.
And you want someone who's trulypromoting things because they're
high quality, high performing,and truly non toxic and safe.
Ivelisse Page (29:40):
Yeah, well I'm thankful that you are one of
those individuals and we willmake sure to put links in the
show notes so that people cansee, you know, your favorite
things and um, we'll also putthe Believe Big, um, affiliate
links that has some of theproducts as well that we
mentioned today.
And I'll even put in the linkfor my, uh, homemade tallow
(30:01):
cream.
Cause I'm sure people will beasking for that too.
So Caitlin, thank you so muchfor what you're doing.
Uh, just incredible journeyyou've been on.
You're making a huge differencein our world and I'm just so
grateful for your time today.
Caitlin Fierro (30:16):
Yes.
Thank you so much for having me.
Ivelisse Page (30:25):
If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to
help support our podcast, pleasesubscribe and share it with
others.
Be sure to visit believebig.orgto access the show notes and
discover our bonus content.
Thanks again and keep BelievingBig!
Hi, I'm Ivelisse Page, and thanks for listening
to the Believe Big podcast, theshow where we take a deep dive
into your healing with healthexperts, integrative
practitioners, biblical faithleaders, and cancer thrivers
from around the globe.
(00:35):
Welcome to today's episode onthe Believe Big Podcast.
My name is Ivelisse Page and I'mexcited to be with you for this
latest episode.
Today, we welcome CaitlinFierro, a passionate advocate
for holistic healthcare and thefounder of Non Toxic Home.
Caitlin's personal healthjourney began in her early 20s
(00:56):
after being diagnosed withceliac disease.
Despite adhering to a strictgluten free diet and consulting
with all the best doctors andspecialists in New York City,
Caitlin's health issuescontinued.
2014 marked the turning pointfor Caitlin as she turned
towards functional health careand recovery ending years of gut
(01:19):
issues, inflammation, hormonalimbalances, and anxiety with
just four months.
Caitlin earned a degree incertification in functional
nutrition and as a certifiedholistic nutrition consultant
and esteemed toxic load expert.
She pioneers a unique healthcarepractice that stands at the
(01:41):
intersection of holisticnutrition and environmental
toxin elimination.
Her philosophy is clear, andimpactful to unearth and address
the root causes of health issuesmoving beyond simply managing
systems and symptoms.
Caitlin is a wife and a mother,and as such, the well being of
(02:03):
her family is her top priority.
Welcome to the show, Caitlin.
Caitlin Fierro (02:08):
Thank you.
Thank you so much for theintroduction.
Thanks for having me.
Ivelisse Page (02:11):
Yes, we're so excited to speak with you today.
And our listeners are alwayswanting to know what our guest's
favorite health tip is.
So do you have one that youcould share with us?
Caitlin Fierro (02:22):
Yeah, so I would say my favorite health tip is
that you are not your diagnosis.
And I think that we areconditioned to go to the doctor
and get a diagnosis.
And when we get that diagnosisin Western medicine, typically
the answer is one of two things,medication or surgery, but
there's so much more to that,right?
(02:43):
And, um, I think that people arelooking for more and I want
people to know there is moreright in the functional
integrative medicine space.
There are so many options youhave outside of medication and
surgery and sometimes you canlook at those options and not
have to go through medication orsurgery or sometimes integrative
and functional medicine can helpsupport and aid in better
(03:06):
healing with medication andsurgery.
So, that's my health tip.
I tell that to everybody becauseI think we're overly conditioned
to hold onto a diagnosis andidentify with the diagnosis.
Ivelisse Page (03:18):
Yes.
And our minds are such apowerful tool.
And so if you are constantlythinking that is who you are,
then your healing is going totake that much longer.
So I love that you are not yourdiagnosis.
So, so what inspired you tostart Non Toxic Homes and how
did your journey, I know weshared a little bit about it in
(03:38):
the intro about the holisticcare and environmental toxin
elimination, but how did itbegin?
Caitlin Fierro (03:45):
Yeah.
So for me, like many functionalpractitioners, um, I really got
into this space based on my ownhealth journey.
Like you mentioned in 2012, Iwas diagnosed an auto-immune
condition.
And then for two years after Iwas just struggling.
Um, and I was living in New YorkCity and I'm going to all the
quote unquote best doctors andseeing all these specialists and
(04:06):
really nobody could help me.
It was really frustrating.
I was either getting offeredprescription meds that just like
didn't fit my needs or they wererecommending medications that
when I tried them I just hadmore symptoms and my symptoms
were worsening.
And for me, I just had thisturning point.
I was at an allergist and um, Itell this story'cause it was
(04:29):
such an interesting experience.
I'm at this allergist and he'sdoing this skin test on me and I
hate needles.
Like I absolutely hate needles.
I have my whole life and Isigned up this day to do like 80
needles in my back.
That's how desperate I was.
And I'm laying there and he'sabout to do the needles and he
goes, I just want you to knowthat these tests are not that
(04:50):
accurate.
So despite the results that weget, it may not be conclusive
for us.
And I just started crying and Iremember sitting there and being
like, why am I doing this?
Why am I doing this to myself?
And I went home that day and Iwas so close to giving up.
And the next day I gotrecommended to a naturopathic
(05:11):
doctor in New York.
And I remember at the time beinglike, Oh my God.
No, not one more doctor.
And I'm like, is this woman justgoing to wave incense at me and,
and heal me?
And that was really what Ithought about integrative and
functional medicine.
And that was all I thought,which wow, so naive to, I think
back on it now.
(05:32):
And um, I went to thatnaturopathic doctor, like you
mentioned, and she justcompletely opened my eyes to
functional medicine, easternmedicine, whatever you want to
call it, right?
Um, and I just was so in awe ofwhat they could offer, right?
Like I sat down with a doctorand I was so used to getting a
15 minute appointment and wespent two hours together.
(05:56):
And I was like, wow, this womanwants to know how I was born.
If I came, if I came through thebirth canal, if I was a C
section baby, like just suchdetail.
And like you mentioned withinfour months, my symptoms were
gone.
You know, I, and I wassuffering, you know, for me, I
had anxiety and depression.
(06:16):
I had, um, a really lowfunctioning immune system.
I had gastro issues and theywere all gone within four
months.
After, like, two years ofseeking help, and after being
diagnosed, you know, in 2012,and so, it was just shocking for
me, and, um, that experiencereally, like, just portrayed my
(06:41):
kind of obsession and curiositywith the integrative and
functional healthcare space.
Ivelisse Page (06:47):
Yeah, that's just incredible.
In four months, like, I hearthat all the time.
And it's not just one person.
You know, when you get to theroot cause of what's happening,
you're just not masking thesymptoms.
So Caitlin, I know that we'regoing to be talking about
environmental factors today, butI know that there are those
listening and they'll want toknow, you know, what did she do?
(07:08):
So do you mind just sharing whatyou think the top three things
that you did that healed yourgut in that four month period?
Caitlin Fierro (07:16):
Yeah, so I would say number one, just looking at
my gut, like for all thespecialists and doctors I saw no
one even really took a goodlook, right?
And so you can do that throughstool testing that really gives
you a clear picture of what'sgoing on in the gut, pathogens,
bacteria, potential parasites,fungal overgrowth.
And then that gives you aroadmap for healing the gut.
(07:38):
I think the second thing I didwas just really clean up my
diet.
I have been gluten free for twoyears, but I wasn't really
reading labels.
I was just eating gluten free,not realizing like there were
all these preservatives andadditives and gut destroyers in
these gluten free foods, quoteunquote.
(07:59):
Um, and then I would say thelast thing for, for me is that
supplement propersupplementation is really
powerful when you're using italong with functional testing.
And I think that's what reallyhelped me get where I needed to
be.
We had blood work and stool thatcould tell us like, okay, here's
where Caitlin is deficient.
(08:20):
Here's where we need to cleanthis up.
We can do this, implement asupplement plan for the next X
months, and we'll see progress.
Ivelisse Page (08:27):
I love that.
Those are really great.
It's great advice and it, and itis different for everyone.
So I loved how you shared, youknow, the general, the general
tips, because what you might'veneeded as a supplement, it may
be different for someone elsewith, with gut issues.
So yes.
Yes.
So let's get into environmentaltoxins.
You know, can you explain howenvironmental toxins impact our
(08:50):
health and why reducing ourtoxic load is so crucial?
Caitlin Fierro (08:56):
Yeah.
So I can, what I can share isoverall environmental toxins
impact all aspects of ourhealth.
I mean, everything from we'retalking infertility, cancer,
autoimmune conditions, thyroiddysfunction, respiratory damage,
allergens, I mean, the list goeson and on, um, and I'll give an
example.
So, today, when it comes topersonal care and cosmetics, we
(09:19):
actually allow 11, 000ingredients in our products, and
less than 1% of them have beentested for safety on humans.
But yet we have the research andstudies that show that these
ingredients are causing chronichealth conditions, but we're not
moving fast enough to removethem from conventional products.
And so to me, the only answer tothat is you really have to do it
(09:43):
on your own or with apractitioner's support.
And I'm sure you know this,right?
Right now, 90 to 95% of cancercases.
are non genetic, meaning they'recoming from the person's
environment, from environmentaltoxins or lifestyle choices.
And so to me, as an individualand as a practitioner, that
(10:04):
says, wow, if this is somethingthat like, I can and within
reason control, right?
At least in my own home, andthis is going to benefit my
health and lower my risk forchronic health conditions and
cancer.
Well, then I'm definitely goingto do that.
Ivelisse Page (10:20):
Yes, it's amazing because people will say, wow,
you know, we've seen a thepediatric cancer rates just
skyrocket recently.
Mm.
And it's, it's no surprise, Imean, the environmental
toxicities that a mom walksthrough, they say on average,
um, a baby's umbilical cord hasover 200 toxic chemicals in it.
(10:40):
I mean, it's just crazy.
So knowing all of this, youknow, we can't live in a bubble,
you know, we can't avoid all ofit.
But what would you say are topthree changes that someone can
make in their home tosignificantly reduce their
exposure to toxins?
Caitlin Fierro (10:57):
Yeah, I would say for me, the top three are
water.
So meaning get a water filter inyour house, whether it's a whole
house filtration system or ifyou can't afford something like
that, you can get an under thesink water filtration system.
Um, I love Clearly Filtered.
I think it's absolutely amazing.
Um, they also make ClearlyFiltered water bottles on the
(11:20):
go, so I love that because ifyou're on the go and you have
tap water at a restaurant, youcan just pour it in your own
water bottle.
Number two I would say is yourair.
Indoor air quality is actuallyworse than outdoor air quality
often, and people don't knowthat, and so getting a HEPA air
filter at home, especially inthe rooms that you're in most
often, so like your family room,living room, your bedroom, in a
(11:43):
basement, anywhere that could bedamp or wet is really important.
And then I would say numberthree for me is tossing toxic
chemicals, um, and cleaningproducts and personal care
products and just simplifying, Ithink, you know, people get
overwhelmed because the internethas this swap culture of like
(12:04):
swap this for that, swap thisfor that, which I think is
really great.
But I know, at least for me,when I work with people one on
one, I go into their homes andthey've got 25 cleaning
products.
And I'm like, we could simplifyyou down to like five or six.
Or I see people with 20 to 40personal care products.
I'm like, we could simplify youdown to 10 to 12.
(12:25):
And so I think we have to getaway from this, like, swap
culture and talk aboutsimplifying also.
Ivelisse Page (12:33):
I love that you say that, because so many people
do get overwhelmed with so manythings and especially someone
who's dealing with a cancerdiagnosis and trying to do all
the right things for themselvesphysically on top of the
emotional and spiritual side.
So I love those.
Those are three easy, simplethings.
I love the Clearly Filteredwater bottles.
(12:55):
We, I have a whole home waterfilter as well.
My husband, Jimmy and I, wetravel with that water bottle
because Even at the airports youcan fill up and you know that
it's removing the toxins and thefluoride even though it says
it's filtered water.
Um, it doesn't have all thepathogens out.
So I, I love the idea of yousaying to put the restaurant
(13:16):
water in there.
I haven't done that.
So I, I love that.
And we can put links, um, in theshow notes in regards to your
favorites and ours so thatpeople can just have direct
links and not have to do all theresearch behind those favorite
things that you mentioned.
Caitlin Fierro (13:33):
Yeah.
Ivelisse Page (13:34):
What role does holistic nutrition play in
creating a non toxic lifestyleand how do the two intersect in
your practice?
Caitlin Fierro (13:43):
Yeah.
So I think that for me, holisticnutrition is really about eating
for health.
And I think it really is aboutreducing toxic load and for me,
this is really the foundation,right?
Um, and when I'm working withsomeone, especially if they have
a chronic health condition, Ireally like to start with
holistic nutrition because, youknow, we can remove the lip balm
(14:04):
that has petroleum, sure, but ifyou're eating cake, cookies,
chicken nuggets, gum that allhave petroleum in them, did we
really do our job?
No, not really.
And so I think we really have tostart with the foundation and
then we move on to, okay, let'stalk about your products.
(14:24):
Let's talk about your home andreally let's expand from there
because I mean, we eat threemeals a day.
We are, and we are putting thisdirectly in our body, right?
And we are metabolizing andingesting these things.
So it's really, reallyfoundationally important.
And I do see in my practice atleast many, many people, if
they've started as one type ofclient, we've been more focused
(14:46):
on nutrition.
They do tend to get moreinterested in their reducing
toxic load because it comes up,right?
Like we can't talk aboutnutrition and not talk about
reducing other toxins and viceversa.
Ivelisse Page (14:58):
Yes.
That's great advice.
Believe Big (15:01):
If you love today's conversation with Caitlin Fierro
and feel inspired to take chargeof your health through holistic
living, just wait until youexperience what's coming next.
Join us at the 2025 Believe BigIntegrative Cancer Symposium
happening Saturday, September13th in Towson, Maryland, or
virtually from wherever you are.
(15:23):
You'll hear from Caitlyn Fierroherself, along with other top
leaders in integrative cancercare like Dr.
Derek Guillory.
Dr.
Michelle Niesley, Dr.
Zubin Mariola, and Jay Richards.
This one day event is packedwith the latest breakthroughs,
powerful healing tools andpractical steps to help you or a
loved one thrive through cancerand beyond.
(15:46):
In-person spots are going fast,so head to believebig.org to
register today.
You can even choose a virtualticket or be a blessing and
sponsor a ticket for a cancerpatient.
Together, let's rise, heal, andthrive.
Ivelisse Page (16:04):
So going back to environmental toxins, you know,
how can cancer patients improvethe air quality in their homes
besides an air filter?
And what tools or strategies doyou recommend for ensuring
clean, toxic free air?
Caitlin Fierro (16:20):
Yeah, so there's a number of things that you can
do.
Yes, of course, get the airfilters, right?
But I think getting a HEPAvacuum is really important.
Having a schedule or aconsistent basis where you're
cleaning your rugs and couches,under beds, getting your air
ducts cleaned annually.
That's important.
(16:41):
Um, getting indoor plants tohelp purify some of your air,
opening your windows.
And then I would say deepcleaning your house like one to
two times a month is reallyimportant.
And my absolute biggest tip foreveryone is absolutely no shoes
in the house.
Shoes in the house are just,they bring in bacteria, germs,
(17:02):
pesticides, herbicides, heavymetals, allergens.
You know, I'm a stickler forthat.
I, my family always gives me alittle bit of a hard time for it
because when I host holidays, Iput a sign outside my house that
says Merry Christmas, come onin, leave your shoes outside and
I put little empty baskets, butit's just because I, you know,
wear a shoe free home and it'snot, it's not about you, it's
(17:24):
not about where you've been, butit's just about, I don't want
extra indoor pollutants in myhome.
Ivelisse Page (17:30):
Yes.
Yeah, I agree.
Anything that we can do tominimize is important.
Now, what type of cleaningproducts are safest for those
with a compromised immunesystems, like those listening
today?
And, and how can patientsidentify truly non toxic
options?
There's a lot of greenwashingtoday, you know, for those who
(17:51):
don't know what greenwashing is,it's when companies mislead
customers and consumers abouttheir eco friendly products and
practices.
Caitlin Fierro (17:59):
Yeah, so I think when it comes to cleaning
products, if you'reimmunocompromised, you really
want to look for plant based andmineral based enzymatic formulas
with no preservatives orfragrance.
I think one thing that I'll sayis EWG is a great resource.
You want to look for their Arated cleaning products, but
(18:19):
I'll say beyond that, you stillwant to read the ingredient
list.
And obviously a cleaning productis not like a food item, right?
Sometimes it's not on there, butyou can look it up.
And my rule of thumb is if it'slonger than eight to ten
ingredients, it's most likelynot non toxic.
And I would say lastly, youreally want to buy from a
trusted brand and resource,right?
(18:40):
We carry on our online store acouple of cleaning and laundry
products, but I think some greatbrands to know about today,
Branch Basics is one of them.
Root Splendor is one of themBlueland.
Aunt Fannie's, these are brandsthat I tried and true and
trusted and are also really highperforming and high quality.
Ivelisse Page (19:00):
I love that.
Yeah.
That's the other side of it,right?
It's not only are they clean,but high performing, especially
in the laundry side.
You know, I've, I think I had togo through 10 before I found one
that was helpful to clean, fullyclean our clothing.
And I think it's Freddies, Ithink that's the one that I use
the little sheets.
(19:20):
But why, you mentioned it,fragrances, you know, it's a
topic for a lot of people,especially scented candles and
air fresheners.
So can you share why it's soimportant to find safer
alternatives than candles andair fresheners, especially for
cancer patients?
Caitlin Fierro (19:39):
Yeah, so what I can say about fragrance is,
fragrance is just a name on alabel, um, typically with air
fresheners, perfumes, candles,it's also in personal care
products, um, but what thatmeans in the United States is it
actually can be up to 3, 000different ingredients or
chemicals.
Yeah, and so many of these arecarcinogens, endocrine
(20:02):
disruptors, allergens, so youreally actually don't know what
you're getting at all.
And so it's really important tostay away from fragrance as an
ingredient.
I mean, I actually wish on thelabel, it just said other
because truthfully, that is whatit is.
And I would say just like saferoptions.
(20:24):
A simmer pot is a great optionat home.
You can Google a simmer potrecipe and most likely you have
the ingredients in your home.
I also really love FontanaCandle, they're an absolutely
incredible brand.
We carry them on our site.
And what I love about FontanaCandle is all of their candles
are truly non toxic, very simpleingredients.
(20:45):
Um, and they're a family ownedbusiness that started Fontana
Candles because they came from afamily with immunocompromised
folks, chemical sensitivity,family members, family members
with lymphoma.
And so they really know howimportant it is to produce high
quality, truly non toxiccandles.
Ivelisse Page (21:06):
Love it.
Thank you for sharing thosealternatives.
I'll definitely look them up.
I don't think I've heard ofthem, so I'll definitely.
Oh, you'll love them.
Check them out.
Are there any specific materialsin furniture and bedding and
home decor that cancer patientsshould avoid due to the toxin
exposure?
Caitlin Fierro (21:23):
Yeah.
So, and this is a big one,unfortunately, right?
Cause we're.
I'm surrounded by the things inour homes.
But I would say number one forme is probably polyurethane
foam.
It's found in mattresses, sofas,couches, chairs.
One of my best advice that I cangive to everyone listening is
that one of the biggest investinvestments you can make for
(21:44):
yourself is a non toxicmattress.
You spend a third of our life onour mattress.
And so you don't want VOCs thatare off gassing for years and
breathing them in, right?
They can cause respiratorydamage, trigger asthma, um,
increase the risk of cancer.
So you really, that's aninvestment that I would say to
(22:05):
everyone listening, it'simportant.
There are other materials likeflame retardant, phthalates,
benzene, formaldehyde.
Um, one of the big ones that Isay to folks that they, when it
comes back to VOCs, they don'tthink of is paint.
So, um, there's a great brandcalled Claire that sells zero
(22:28):
VOC paint.
Um, and they have all the prettycolors, right?
They've got those Benjamin Mooreesque colors that you still
want.
We use it in my house.
And it's incredible and so Iwould highly recommend them
because we paint our house foryears and years and years and so
especially when it comes to Ialways think of moms setting up
nurseries and they're likepainting nurseries and I'm
(22:50):
always like have you heard ofClaire because those are babies
we don't want to put them in aspace that's immediately just
full of toxins.
Ivelisse Page (22:57):
Yes, yes.
I, I also am slowly switching,um, most of my things to like
wool products, you know, like mywool comforter.
It is super cozy andcomfortable.
It's warm in the winter and coolin the summer.
So I really love that insert formy duvet and wool carpeting.
Those are some, some big onesthat I think a lot of people
(23:19):
don't realize even, you know,exercise, um, uh, Yes, so share,
share about that real quick asfar as like clothing, because I
think sometimes we don't thinkabout how clothing affects us
too.
Caitlin Fierro (23:36):
Yeah.
So a lot of times, especially inathleisure clothes, there's PFAs
in them, so forever chemicals.
And I always think, especially,and there was an article about
this, I think it came bigarticle two or three years ago
about PFAS in our most sensitiveareas.
So we're talking, you know, inthe crotch area, on our breasts,
(23:56):
right next to our lymph nodes.
And we're wearing these itemsall day long.
So what I always say with folksis if you're going on that, low
tox, non tox journey, obviouslyI don't expect you to throw out
all your clothes, right?
That would just be a littleabsurd, but I say to everyone,
start with undergarments, startwith socks, that kind of stuff.
So if you're still wearing thosepants that have the forever
(24:19):
chemicals, but you've got a nontoxic, organic, cotton underwear
on, you're a little safer.
So I think that's where tostart.
And then over time, there aregreat brands like Pact or Make
the Label, and they make so manyamazing non toxic, organic
clothing that, and it rangesfrom like athleisure to work
(24:39):
clothes.
So you really can, you can findoptions.
Ivelisse Page (24:43):
Yes.
Yeah.
And I just discovered Woolly,that's another one that I have
been testing and, you know,wonderful undergarments.
And, um, I think I even boughtsome athletic pants from them
and they were comfortable, notitchy.
Cause I'm very sensitive to thewhole itchy thing and none of
it.
So I love them Make the Labeltoo.
(25:04):
So I'm glad you shared that oneas well.
Um, and I'm really thankful foryou too, because you're sharing
some great tips withoutoverwhelming people'cause I know
on this journey, there manytimes patients are overwhelmed.
There are just some basic smallchanges you can make.
And then if you just startadding smaller changes and
continue to make them, you know,by the end of the year, imagine
(25:26):
what you can do.
You don't have to do everythingat once.
But just even take each month,I'm going to focus on a
different area and, and minimizewhat's in my home, what I put on
my body, what I'm eating.
So I appreciate your tips somuch.
Um, I know we have a few minutesleft, and so I would love for
you to touch, if you could, onnon toxic personal care products
(25:48):
and what ingredients we shouldbe avoiding.
Caitlin Fierro (25:51):
Yeah.
So, I mean, they really range,like I mentioned earlier,
there's up to 11, 000 chemicals.
I think what we really want tobe avoiding in personal care
products are anything that's acarcinogen, endocrine disruptor,
definitely fragrance, definitelyany allergen or immunotoxicant.
Those are really dangerous.
(26:13):
I think when it comes topersonal care, my biggest advice
to everyone is to simplify.
I know we kind of went over thatearlier, but you, there's this
like, you know, consumerism andmarketing that we've all grown
up with, right?
Like constantly on my phone, adfor this, ad for that as a
woman, right?
Like this will get rid of yourwrinkles.
(26:34):
This will get rid of yourredness.
So we're so easy to click andpurchase.
Um, but I think when it comes togoing non toxic, there are
amazing brands, both in personalcare, cosmetics, I mean, hair
care, everything that are trulynon toxic plant based organic,
simple ingredients and that arehigh performing.
(26:55):
So I think once you find thosebrands, you can simplify, you
can commit to them.
You can also save money thisway.
I think people are, I have,there's this other notion that
going non toxic is so expensiveand I really, you know,
especially when I work withpeople one on one, I love to
like kind of myth bust therebecause I'll, I'll tell them
(27:15):
like, all right, these are, it'show much your 40 products cost.
And we can get you down to 10.
This is how much this is goingto cost.
And so I think just knowing thatit can be done and that you can
find products that are highperforming and high quality and
that do the same.
Ivelisse Page (27:32):
Yes.
I agree.
And I've tried to do that myselfand, you know, um, over the
holidays, I tried something newand we have a local farmer that
I, that I buy from and Ipurchased a grass fed, grass
finished tallow from around thekidneys from this woman.
It had like five pounds of it.
And I used it for cooking, but Ialso made my own tallow cream
(27:56):
and it's not that difficult todo.
And I made jars and jars of it.
And what I love about it isthat, uh, my, my whole family is
using it.
My daughter's skin is better.
Um, I use it for my elbows andthe heels of my feet.
My husband loves it.
So it's like one product thatour whole family is using.
And it, that whole batch of fivepounds, I think once I added the
(28:21):
olive oil to it and, um, andsome essential oils, I think in
total, it was like 20.
you know, and it'll last us ayear.
So there are some things thatyou can even do at home, uh, to,
to simplify, like you're saying,and products that everyone can
use that are healthy for yourskin.
So, um, is there anything that Ididn't ask you that you feel,
(28:45):
you know, you wanted to mentionbefore we close out our episode
today?
Caitlin Fierro (28:49):
No, I think just, you know, for anyone
listening today, like we, we'vetalked about this so many times,
but the non toxic journey can beoverwhelming.
I think that there's also this,you know, I see, and I get
frustrated as a practitioner.
I see a lot of social mediainfluencers in the non toxic
space promoting green washproducts.
(29:10):
And I know you mentioned thatearlier and it's something that
frustrates me because I thinkpeople are trying to do better
and then they're going on socialmedia and they're just like, So
much noise.
And so I think as you're goingthrough this journey, find a
trusted resource, find a trustedpartner, um, and find someone
who, who's not biased, right?
I think there's a lot of peoplewho are biased and bought out in
(29:31):
this space.
And you want someone who's trulypromoting things because they're
high quality, high performing,and truly non toxic and safe.
Ivelisse Page (29:40):
Yeah, well I'm thankful that you are one of
those individuals and we willmake sure to put links in the
show notes so that people cansee, you know, your favorite
things and um, we'll also putthe Believe Big, um, affiliate
links that has some of theproducts as well that we
mentioned today.
And I'll even put in the linkfor my, uh, homemade tallow
(30:01):
cream.
Cause I'm sure people will beasking for that too.
So Caitlin, thank you so muchfor what you're doing.
Uh, just incredible journeyyou've been on.
You're making a huge differencein our world and I'm just so
grateful for your time today.
Caitlin Fierro (30:16):
Yes.
Thank you so much for having me.
Ivelisse Page (30:25):
If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to
help support our podcast, pleasesubscribe and share it with
others.
Be sure to visit believebig.orgto access the show notes and
discover our bonus content.
Thanks again and keep BelievingBig!
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