In this illuminating episode of Migraine Heroes, hosted by Diane Ducarme sits down with Dr. Kat Bodden, a naturopathic doctor from Portland, Oregon, who specializes in environmental medicine and toxin-related illness. Together, they explore how environmental toxins—from household products, plastics, mold, and air pollution—can contribute to migraines and other chronic symptoms.

Dr. Kat explains that while we live in a world saturated with chemicals, we still hold the power to create safer, healthier spaces. Using her “body as a bucket” analogy, she describes how toxins accumulate over time—eventually overflowing into symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and migraine pain. Her approach focuses on two empowering strategies:

 1️⃣ Stop adding toxins: Reduce exposure at home.

2️⃣ Detoxify naturally: Support the body through gentle daily habits and stress reduction.

🏡 Key Takeaways

• Shoes-off policy: Keeps outdoor pesticides and pollutants from entering your home.
• Safer cookware: Skip Teflon and plastic; choose cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic.
• No heating in plastic: Store only cooled food in plastic containers.
• Ventilate while cooking: Indoor air can be 80–90× more polluted than outdoor air.
• Personal care & cleaning products:
• Go fragrance-free—synthetic scents often contain hormone-disrupting phthalates.
• Check items with the EWG Healthy Living App.
• Use simple cleaners: vinegar, lemon, or Castile soap.
• Laundry tips: Skip dryer sheets and softeners—use wool dryer balls or vinegar instead.
• Mold awareness: Mold can hide in drywall or ceilings and cause migraines, fatigue, and brain fog. Fix leaks, use HEPA air filters, and seek inspection if needed.
• Furniture & textiles: Choose natural fibers (wool, leather, jute) and vacuum regularly with HEPA filters.
• Plastic shower curtains: Replace with washable cloth or polyester versions.
• Vote with your dollar: Support transparent, ethical, and local brands making safer products.

This episode reminds you that detoxification isn’t about restriction—it’s about reconnection. Every small choice you make toward a cleaner environment helps your body heal, your brain rest, and your energy rise. 🌿

About Dr. Kat Bodden

Growing up in a family of healthcare providers, Kat always knew she wanted to work in medicine. Her healthcare journey began in the Emergency Department, where she quickly became disheartened by a system that merely medicated symptoms without addressing root causes. When she discovered naturopathic medicine, her life was forever changed. Today, she's immersed in the world of longevity medicine—not just helping people live longer, but live better with vibrant health and purpose. Kat's approach goes beyond treating symptoms; she serves as both mentor and guide, showing her clients that self-care is healthcare and that caring for your body can be genuinely enjoyable. She delights in helping people discover that the path to wellness is filled with nourishing foods, invigorating movement, and life-affirming practices where they feel deeply nourished rather than deprived. With Kat's guidance, healthcare doesn't need to feel like a chore.

To learn more about Dr. Kat Bodden, visit her website.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.

We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.