A Textile Detox Guide Inspired by Huberman Lab

In recent episodes of the Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman tackles the pervasive issue of microplastics and environmental toxins. Two standout episodes—"The Effects of Microplastics on Your Health & How to Reduce Them" and an insightful discussion with Dr. Shanna Swan, an energetic 89-year-old expert on environmental toxins and reproductive health—highlight the alarming infiltration of these substances into our daily lives.

Global awareness around non-toxic living is on the rise, driven by heightened concern over PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in water and consumer products. Most people begin their detox journey by focusing on food, cosmetics, and plastic containers. However, one critical area often overlooked is textiles. Although both episodes briefly mention textiles, Huberman and Dr. Swan acknowledge that this is a vastly understudied yet potentially significant source of toxin exposure.

As the founder of a textile company, I feel compelled to contribute to this dialogue and explain why this issue matters more than many realize. Let me be clear: the world does not need yet another textile company—but textiles need to be made differently.

Rethinking What Touches Your Skin

Textiles, especially those treated with synthetic chemicals, are an invisible but pervasive hazard. Research confirms that chemicals from fabrics can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as microfibers shed into household dust. Yet, directly linking health issues to textiles is notoriously difficult due to the complexity of long-term exposure studies.

One challenge is that it's nearly impossible to design a study where all factors are controlled, allowing researchers to isolate the effect of textiles on health. Life, however, provided a shocking, unintended experiment. A few years ago, flight attendants of various ages, all with very similar work environments, received new uniforms at the same time. Large groups of attendants from airlines like Alaska, American, and Delta reported serious health issues linked to their new uniforms. Class-action lawsuits ensued—not to prove the textiles safe, but rather to show that companies hadn't violated existing laws. This legal battle highlighted glaring holes in textile regulation: while nothing illegal occurred, the health concerns remained unresolved.

Chemicals for Dummies: Good vs. Bad, Natural vs. Synthetic

I’m not as scientifically sharp as Andrew Huberman or Dr. Shanna Swan, and like many, I find the world of chemicals both fascinating and confusing. Why are some chemicals harmful while others are harmless? Here’s how I’ve come to understand it over the years.

Natural vs. Synthetic

Generally, natural chemicals seem to cause less harm because our bodies and the environment have adapted to them over time. Evolution has developed mechanisms to break down and integrate them into the natural cycle. Synthetic chemicals, however, are a different story. These are man-made substances that natural systems—be it our bodies or ecosystems—haven't evolved to handle. In a million years, evolution might catch up and find ways to process the waste we introduced in the 20th century, but for now, we're stuck with the consequences.

The Synthetic Dilemma

When we talk about synthetic chemicals, like plastics, the problem isn’t just their origin but also their structure. Plastics, though derived from natural materials like petroleum, undergo processes that make them synthetic—meaning they are vastly different from their original form. These modifications render them unrecognizable to natural systems, allowing them to persist in environments like oceans and even within our bodies, creating invisible but tangible health risks.

Microplastics and Inflammation

Consider microplastics. These tiny fragments don’t break down and can accumulate in our bodies. As Andrew Huberman pointed out, by the end of our lives, we may have accumulated about half a teaspoon of microplastics in our brains. This accumulation can potentially lead to chronic inflammation and other health issues, though the full extent is still being studied. The case study of asbestos provides a clear precedent: asbestos particles stay lodged in our lungs forever, causing chronic inflammation that leads to deadly diseases.

The Turtle and the Plastic Bag

Sometimes, ignoring an issue is safer than attempting to handle it poorly. Take endocrine disruptors like phthalates—chemicals used to soften plastics and found abundantly in textiles like polyester. When these enter our bodies, they’re often mistaken for natural hormones such as estrogen. This confusion disrupts our biological processes, much like a turtle mistaking a floating plastic bag for a jellyfish, only to be harmed by it. The potential health impacts of such chemicals are dire: infertility, developmental issues, chronic pain, brain fog, and even cancer. We are, collectively, part of a flawed, uncontrolled experiment.

Understanding Your Agency

The key issue is that these synthetic chemicals, despite being made from natural ingredients, are processed in ways that make them alien to natural systems. Our bodies and the environment don’t know how to effectively break them down or deal with their effects, leading to their accumulation and the potential for significant health and environmental problems. Understanding this distinction helps us make more informed choices about the products we use and the materials we surround ourselves with.

And here’s where you have agency. Textiles are one of those areas where it’s hardest to know what’s really in them—ever noticed that labels only list the fiber content, not the chemicals used? This is because textile labeling is designed for trade and tariffs, not for consumer safety.

Practical Detox Tips

While you can’t control everything in the world, you can take charge of your home environment. Here are some actionable steps—simple choices that make a significant difference:

Focus on Your Bed: Detox your bedding (mattress, pillows, sheets) with natural, untreated fibers. It’s no coincidence that this is our main product. You spend a third of your life here, breathing and sweating close to these textiles. Choose a natural mattress and proper natural pillows and blankets—no polyester or synthetic blends. You’ll sleep better with less sweating and itching.

Detox Your Home: Gradually replace synthetic carpets and furniture, especially those visibly shedding fibers.

Manage Household Dust: Most dust is from textiles. Regular cleaning reduces microfiber buildup, minimizing inhalation risks.

Choose Certified Textiles: Look for certifications like Öko-Tex, GOTS, or Blue Seal (for U.S. consumers) that screen for harmful chemicals. While not foolproof, they’re a start.

Minimize Synthetic Fibers Touching Your Skin: Opt for natural fabrics in close-contact items like underwear and socks. Avoid synthetic clothes that make you sweat more.

Buy Less but Better: We’ll never be perfect, and plastic isn’t our enemy—we just have to value it appropriately. Cherish the plastic or polyester items you already own. Textiles are most toxic when they’re new, as washing releases about half the chemicals. So, wash all new clothing twice. Remember, that “new clothes” smell is as good for your health as inhaling gasoline.

The challenge of detoxing from pervasive environmental toxins may feel overwhelming, but by focusing on manageable changes—particularly at home—you can make significant strides toward a healthier life. Textiles, often overlooked, are a crucial part of this journey.

The dialogue initiated by Huberman and Dr. Swan is essential. As more people demand safer, non-toxic products, the industry will be forced to respond. Your choices as a consumer hold the power to drive this change.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.