109. Toxins, Epigenetics, and the Truth About What You Can Control with Shelly Jefferis
Mon Feb 02 2026
Susan Robbins sits down with Shelly Jefferis, M.A. for a high-energy, real-talk conversation about toxins, lifestyle, and how everyday exposures can influence genetic expression. They break down what actually matters (without fear or perfectionism): how environmental toxins can dial up inflammation, impact detox pathways, and contribute to symptoms people often normalize, like brain fog, low energy, and poor sleep.
You’ll learn simple ways to reduce your toxin load starting where you are, reading labels, spotting “health” products that aren’t so healthy, avoiding common artificial sweeteners and synthetic fragrances, and making realistic swaps in food, skincare, and home products. The bottom line: you don’t need to do everything, you just need better awareness, smarter choices, and consistent habits that support your body’s natural detox systems.
In This Episode:
Why toxins don’t have to be scary, but ignorance can be costlyHow environmental chemicals can influence inflammation, detox genes, and overall healthThe biggest red flags to watch for on food and supplement labelsWhy “sugar-free” and “wellness-branded” products often aren’t what they claimSimple, realistic ways to reduce toxin exposure without becoming obsessiveHow lifestyle basics, sleep, movement, hydration, and nutrition, support natural detox pathwaysWhy feeling “okay” isn’t the same as feeling your best
Learn more about our guest Shelly Jefferis:
Shelly Jefferis, M.A. is an expert in wellness & longevity and has been in the profession for over 40 years. She is an educator, speaker & mentor. Through teaching & her compassionate nature, she is dedicated to the goal of impacting the lives of others to feel and live their best lives! Shelly is a retired college professor, is partnered with a global wellness company, and is passionate about increasing awareness and educating on toxins and ways to reduce our exposure in order to live healthier lifestyles. She is the podcast host of “Words of Wellness” and is the founder of Moms Who Flourish, a community created to empower moms to put their health and self-care as a priority through 1:1 & group mentorship and live wellness in-person events!!
RESOURCES:
Connect with Shelly Jefferis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish
Products Mentioned:
Yuka: https://yuka.io/en/
Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/
Crunchy: https://crunchi.com/
Branch Basics: https://branchbasics.com/
https://healthyawakening.co/2026/02/02/episode109/
Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/
Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast
Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links
P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast
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Susan Robbins sits down with Shelly Jefferis, M.A. for a high-energy, real-talk conversation about toxins, lifestyle, and how everyday exposures can influence genetic expression. They break down what actually matters (without fear or perfectionism): how environmental toxins can dial up inflammation, impact detox pathways, and contribute to symptoms people often normalize, like brain fog, low energy, and poor sleep. You’ll learn simple ways to reduce your toxin load starting where you are, reading labels, spotting “health” products that aren’t so healthy, avoiding common artificial sweeteners and synthetic fragrances, and making realistic swaps in food, skincare, and home products. The bottom line: you don’t need to do everything, you just need better awareness, smarter choices, and consistent habits that support your body’s natural detox systems. In This Episode: Why toxins don’t have to be scary, but ignorance can be costlyHow environmental chemicals can influence inflammation, detox genes, and overall healthThe biggest red flags to watch for on food and supplement labelsWhy “sugar-free” and “wellness-branded” products often aren’t what they claimSimple, realistic ways to reduce toxin exposure without becoming obsessiveHow lifestyle basics, sleep, movement, hydration, and nutrition, support natural detox pathwaysWhy feeling “okay” isn’t the same as feeling your best Learn more about our guest Shelly Jefferis: Shelly Jefferis, M.A. is an expert in wellness & longevity and has been in the profession for over 40 years. She is an educator, speaker & mentor. Through teaching & her compassionate nature, she is dedicated to the goal of impacting the lives of others to feel and live their best lives! Shelly is a retired college professor, is partnered with a global wellness company, and is passionate about increasing awareness and educating on toxins and ways to reduce our exposure in order to live healthier lifestyles. She is the podcast host of “Words of Wellness” and is the founder of Moms Who Flourish, a community created to empower moms to put their health and self-care as a priority through 1:1 & group mentorship and live wellness in-person events!! RESOURCES: Connect with Shelly Jefferis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish Products Mentioned: Yuka: https://yuka.io/en/ Primally Pure: https://primallypure.com/ Crunchy: https://crunchi.com/ Branch Basics: https://branchbasics.com/ https://healthyawakening.co/2026/02/02/episode109/ Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/ Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links P.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast