In this episode of the Believe Big Podcast, we dive deep into the world of functional medicine, holistic nutrition, and environmental toxin elimination with Caitlin Fierro, founder of Non-Toxic Homes. Caitlin shares her powerful health journey—from struggling with autoimmune disease and ineffective conventional treatments to transforming her well-being in just four months through functional health practices.
She offers practical, science-backed strategies to reduce toxic exposure in your home, improve gut health, and make informed choices about food, water, and personal care products. Whether you’re battling illness, looking to optimize your health, or simply wanting to create a cleaner environment for your family, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.
You Are Not Your Diagnosis
One of Caitlin’s core messages is a mindset shift:
“You are not your diagnosis.”
Many people accept a diagnosis as their identity, limiting their healing potential. Western medicine often presents only two options—medication or surgery—but functional and integrative medicine offer a broader spectrum of healing approaches.
Caitlin’s Health Journey: A Turning Point
Despite following a strict gluten-free diet after her celiac disease diagnosis, Caitlin continued to suffer from gut issues, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and anxiety. After years of frustration and countless doctor visits, she reached a breaking point.
“I was at an allergist about to undergo 80 skin pricks when he told me, These tests aren’t very accurate. I broke down in tears, questioning everything.”
Then, she was introduced to a naturopathic doctor, an experience that changed her life. Unlike rushed 15-minute appointments, her first visit lasted two hours, diving deep into her birth history, gut health, and nutrition. Within four months, she was free from the symptoms that had plagued her for years.
The 3 Key Steps to Gut Healing
Caitlin attributes her rapid recovery to three essential changes:
1️⃣ Comprehensive Gut Testing
Functional medicine uses stool testing to analyze gut bacteria, pathogens, parasites, and fungal overgrowth—providing a roadmap for healing.
2️⃣ A Truly Clean Diet
Many “gluten-free” products are loaded with preservatives and additives that harm gut health. Caitlin learned to read labels carefully and eliminated processed foods.
3️⃣ Targeted Supplementation
Using functional testing, she identified specific nutrient deficiencies and used supplements strategically—rather than randomly guessing.
The Hidden Dangers of Environmental Toxins
Environmental toxins contribute to infertility, cancer, autoimmune diseases, thyroid dysfunction, and respiratory issues. Shockingly, in the U.S.:
- 11,000+ chemicals are allowed in personal care products.
- Less than 1% of these have been tested for human safety.
- 90-95% of cancers are linked to environmental factors and lifestyle—not genetics.
“We can’t avoid all toxins, but we CAN control our home environment.”
Top 3 Ways to Reduce Toxins in Your Home
Caitlin recommends starting with three key areas:
1. Water Filtration
Tap water is often contaminated with heavy metals, fluoride, and microplastics. Consider:
- Whole-home water filtration systems
- Under-the-sink filters (e.g., Clearly Filtered)
- Filtered water bottles for travel
2. Air Quality Improvement
Indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air!
- Use HEPA air filters in high-traffic rooms.
- Clean air ducts annually.
- No shoes indoors (shoes track in pesticides, bacteria, and allergens).
- Add indoor plants for natural air purification.
3. Ditch Toxic Cleaning & Personal Care Products
- Switch to enzymatic, plant-based cleaning products.
- Avoid fragrance, parabens, and phthalates.
- Brands to trust: Branch Basics, Root Splendor, Blueland, Aunt Fannie’s.
Fragrance: The Hidden Toxin in Your Home
Most commercial candles, air fresheners, and perfumes contain up to 3,000 undisclosed chemicals—many of which are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
Instead, try:
✔ Simmer pots (boiling citrus, cinnamon, and herbs in water)
✔ Fontana Candles (100% non-toxic & handcrafted)
Toxic Furniture & Clothing: What to Avoid
Many home products off-gas harmful chemicals into the air for years.
Avoid These Materials:
- Polyurethane foam (found in mattresses & sofas)
- Flame retardants
- Phthalates & benzene
- Standard paints (opt for zero-VOC paint like Clare Paint)
Biggest Investment? A non-toxic organic mattress—since you spend 1/3 of your life sleeping!
Hidden Toxins in Clothing
Most athleisure wear contains PFAs (forever chemicals), which are absorbed through the skin. Start small:
✔ Swap to organic cotton socks & underwear.
✔ Look for non-toxic brands like Pact & Make The Label.
The Power of Small, Intentional Changes
“You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start with one small change each month, and by the end of the year, your home will be drastically healthier.”
Caitlin encourages people to simplify rather than swap—reducing the number of products you use overall.
Caitlin’s journey is proof that healing is possible when we address the root causes of illness. By reducing environmental toxins, improving gut health, and embracing functional medicine, we can reclaim our health—one step at a time.
📌 Want to learn more?
- Explore Caitlin’s work at Non-Toxic Homes.
- Check out our affiliate links for our favorite clean products.
- Try Ivelisse’s DIY tallow cream recipe for a chemical-free skincare alternative!
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
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! 🌟
