Could your favorite candle be affecting your gut? - Microbiome Insight

Have you ever thought about how the air inside your home could be affecting your gut or your health?

We talk a LOT about food when it comes to gut health.

But what you’re exposed to in your environment matters, too.

That includes household dust, cleaning and personal-care products, plastics…and even some of the things we use to make our homes smell good.

Here’s one simple swap to consider:

WHAT

Swap conventional scented candles for a cleaner-burning option.

Some candles can release particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor air when burned.

One alternative I love is Creative Energy Candles.

They’re made with soybean wax instead of paraffin, and the company says they contain no artificial fragrances or dyes and use essential-oil blends instead.

And yes…they still smell AMAZING.

WHY

So what does any of this have to do with your gut?

Your gut doesn’t exist in isolation.

Researchers are increasingly studying how environmental exposures, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and air pollutants, can interact with the gut microbiome.

Endocrine disruptors can interfere with normal hormone signaling, while environmental pollutants may affect the composition and function of our gut microbes.

That doesn’t mean one scented candle is going to “ruin” your microbiome or your health.

But reducing unnecessary exposures when it’s easy to do so can be one piece of creating a healthier environment for your body.

HOW

Start with simple swaps:

When a candle runs out: Replace it with a paraffin-free option without artificial fragrance.

Improve ventilation: Open windows and increase airflow when you can.

Look at your everyday products: Pay attention to heavily fragranced products you regularly spray or burn inside your home.

Go slowly: Change things one at a time instead of trying to create a perfectly “non-toxic” home overnight.

And remember: if you’re still struggling with bloating, digestive discomfort, or other ongoing gut symptoms, swapping your candles probably isn’t going to address the root cause by itself.

That’s when it may be worth taking a more comprehensive look at your gut health through our Microbiome Program or Toxicant Exposure program.

Here’s to a happier gut AND an amazing-smelling home!