If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen holding a “healthy” pan, a stainless steel water bottle, or a takeout container and thought, Wait… is this actually safe?—you’re not being paranoid. You’re connecting dots.
Because some of the most disruptive chemicals we’re exposed to don’t come with warning labels, weird smells, or immediate symptoms. They’re invisible. Persistent. And quietly embedded in modern life.
They’re called forever chemicals—and once you see them, you can’t unsee them.
Let’s talk about what they are, why they matter (especially for hormones, metabolism, and immune health), and what’s actually worth doing about them—without turning your life upside down.
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First Things First: What Are “Forever Chemicals”?
Forever chemicals are a large group of man-made compounds known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
They’ve been used since the mid-20th century because they’re exceptionally good at one thing:
- Resisting heat
- Repelling oil and water
- Preventing stains
- Not breaking down
That last point is… the problem.
PFAS don’t degrade in the environment. They don’t easily leave the body. And they don’t politely stay where we put them.
Hence the nickname: forever chemicals.
How PFAS Became Everywhere (Literally)
PFAS were originally developed in the 1930s and 40s and marketed as a modern miracle. They made:
- Cookware nonstick
- Fabrics stain-resistant
- Food packaging grease-proof
- Industrial processes more efficient
Over time, they found their way into:
- Nonstick pans
- Water-repellent clothing
- Carpets and furniture
- Fast food wrappers
- Cosmetics
- Cleaning products
- Firefighting foams
- Food packaging
And because they don’t break down, they accumulated—in soil, water, animals, and humans.
This wasn’t a sudden disaster. It was a slow, quiet build.
The Scope of the Problem (It’s Bigger Than Most People Realize)
Here’s where things get uncomfortable:
- Tens of millions of acres of U.S. farmland are contaminated with PFAS
- Wastewater sludge (often used as fertilizer for our food crops) concentrates PFAS and spreads them onto crops
- An estimated 110 million Americans have PFAS-contaminated drinking water
- PFAS are detected in the blood of nearly every person tested
Even teenagers often have multiple types of PFAS circulating in their bodies.
This isn’t about one bad product.
It’s about a system that normalized chemicals faster than we studied their long-term impact.
Why PFAS Matter for Health (Especially Hormones)
PFAS aren’t inactive and benign. They interact with biology in ways that matter.
Research links PFAS exposure to:
- Hormone disruption
- Altered thyroid function
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Liver stress
- Impaired glucose metabolism
- Fertility challenges
- Immune suppression
- Developmental issues in infants
They’re particularly concerning because they:
- Mimic or interfere with hormone signaling
- Accumulate over time
- Stress detox pathways
- Affect metabolic efficiency
In other words, they don’t always cause a single dramatic symptom.
They create background interference—the kind that makes healing harder and resilience lower.
Why “Healthy People” Still Feel Off
This is where many people get stuck.
They’re eating well.
They exercise.
They sleep.
They’ve “cleaned up” their diet.
And yet:
- Energy is inconsistent
- Hormones feel unpredictable
- Weight loss stalls
- Labs are “normal” but life doesn’t feel great
PFAS don’t cause illness in isolation—but they raise the baseline stress load on the body.
Think of them as static on the signal.
Your body can still function, but it has to work harder to do it.
Why Avoiding PFAS Completely Isn’t Realistic (And That’s OK)
Let’s be clear: you cannot eliminate PFAS exposure entirely.
And trying to will make you miserable.
The goal is reduction, not perfection.
Lower the load. Support the systems. Choose battles wisely.
Because stress is also a toxin—and a very real one.
Where PFAS Exposure Commonly Comes From
If you’re wondering where to focus, these are the big ones:
1. Drinking Water
This is one of the most consistent sources of PFAS exposure.
Municipal water systems vary widely in contamination levels—and standard filters don’t remove PFAS effectively.
What helps:
High-quality filtration systems, especially systems that are 3rd party tested for PFAS reduction. I like Berkey Water Filters and Epic Brand water filters.
2. Cookware
Traditional nonstick cookware is a major contributor—especially when scratched or overheated.
Better options:
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Ceramic (verified PFAS-free)
Pro tip: If you want your food to release from the pan (think non-stick without the chemicals), remember these steps. Hot pan, cold oil. In other words, water bounces across the surface of the pan but doesn’t evaporate immediately and the oil you add to your pan is room temp or cold. Be patient – trying to move your food around too soon (think eggs, chicken breast, etc.) will cause awful sticking no one likes. Wait for the food to willingly release from the pan. Yes, there will be some sticking and it’s annoying – but so is not feeling your best because of consuming forever chemicals.
3. Food Packaging & Takeout
Grease-resistant wrappers, boxes, and bags often contain PFAS.
Translation: the more frequently you eat packaged or fast food, the higher your exposure tends to be. When you bring takeout or leftovers home, transfer them into glass containers before storing in the fridge or reheating.
4. Clothing, Furniture & Carpets
“Stain-resistant” and “water-repellent” finishes are red flags.
You don’t need to panic-replace everything—but be intentional going forward.
5. Personal Care Products
PFAS show up in some cosmetics, foundations, mascaras, and lotions.
- If a product promises extreme wear, waterproofing, or long-lasting hold—it’s worth checking the ingredient list. (Check out best options on ewg.org/skindeep/)
What Actually Helps Reduce Risk (Without Going Full Hermit)
Here’s the part people want: what’s worth doing.
Filter Your Water
If you do nothing else, start here.
This is one of the highest-impact changes you can make—and one of the least disruptive.
Choose Organic When Possible
Organic standards prohibit the use of sewage sludge, which is a major PFAS source.
You don’t need perfection. Even partial shifts help.
Upgrade Cookware Slowly
Replace nonstick as it wears out. No need to throw everything away tomorrow.
Eat More Whole, Home-Prepared Foods
Not because restaurants are horrible—but because you control ingredients and cookware at home.
This alone lowers exposure meaningfully over time.
Support Your Liver (Gently)
Your liver is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to chemical processing.
Support it by:
- Eating enough protein
- Including bitter and cruciferous vegetables
- Staying hydrated
- Keeping digestion regular (your gut’s way of taking out the trash)
No harsh cleanses required.
The Bigger Picture: This Isn’t About Fear
PFAS are a modern reality.
The win isn’t eliminating exposure—it’s reducing it and becoming more resilient in the face of it.
Less load.
More capacity.
Smarter systems.
That’s how health actually improves.
Final Thoughts
Forever chemicals are part of the world we live in—but they don’t get to run the show.
When you understand where exposure comes from, how it affects the body, and which changes actually matter, the conversation shifts from fear to clarity.
And clarity is powerful.
Want More Conversations Like This?
If you enjoy evidence-based, clinically grounded conversations that connect the dots without wellness theatrics, come hang out with me on the Pretty Well Podcast. It’s where science meets real life—with nuance, honesty, and just enough skepticism to keep things interesting.
And if you’re ready to rebuild energy, hormone balance, and mental clarity in a way that actually fits your life, Brains & Beauty is my six-week signature course designed to help you work with your biology—not against it. Health isn’t about doing all the things—it’s about making smart, sustainable choices in a very imperfect world. Once you know what actually matters, you can stop overthinking and start living.
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