Soozie Eastman became a guinea pig so that you don't have to. The "Overload" director put herself through four rounds of blood tests and a 30-day detox to learn what happens when the body is cleaned of some of the thousands of chemicals that end up in it — from the first day of life! Even as someone who was paying attention to what she put in her body, Eastman said she felt like she didn't have the information she needed to make some critical decisions before starting a family. So she gave away a lot of her blood and spent $12,000 on lab diagnostics to test her levels for 419 of the most commonly used chemicals. Many of these chemicals are parabens and phthalates, the products that go into fragrances, plastics, and cosmetics. Then there are the toxins that end up in the environment around us, whether through manufacturing of carpets, wall paint, and pesticides. Spanning a timeframe that included a pre-discovery period and a 30-day detox, and a post-detox follow-up, Eastman tested again and again. Not only did she learn that some toxins can quickly be cleaned from the body — and chemical levels can go up as toxins prepare to exit the body — but that consumers do have a little bit of control over their choices. Eastman found that a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train. Consumers can focus not just on their one-time cleanse but also on their consumer power and make informed decisions about what they bring into their homes, put on their bodies, and feed themselves and their families. And the cherry on top: Living a greener life or a little bit leaner is not nearly as expensive as the consumer products industry would have you believe. In fact, alternatives to common household products are very similar in price. Doctors say 80 percent of our illnesses are tied to environmental causes, which can be a very scary situation. "While documentaries are fascinating, they sometimes can leave many people feeling a little hopeless, overwhelmed, or frustrated about what to do. Overload" is a fun film to watch despite the challenging subject. It is hightly empowering and Eastman's story offers a toolkit for people to follow so they can become advocates for themselves without the feeling of gloom and doom. In this Q&A, Eastman suggests starting by picking one silo of exposure — bathroom products, cleaners, makeup, or wherever is easiest for you — and tackling the products list one at a time. You don't even have to throw away the bad products. You already purcahsed them and the landfill doesn't need them. Finish them up and then make a clean start with each replacement. Over time, the changes add up and your body will feel the difference. Skip doing your own laboratory tests or spending a fortune to learn what your levels are. Hear from Eastman in this Q&A, watch "Overload," and learn what you can change for yourself! Start by making smarter decisions at whatever level is comfortable for you.
