We’re living in an age of invisible overload. Microplastics in our blood. ‘Forever chemicals‘ in our tap water. Air pollutants that sneak in every time we open the front door.
It’s no wonder so many of us feel inflamed, bloated, tired, and wired.
Our bodies – and especially our guts – are carrying a toxic burden that simply didn’t exist 50 years ago.
And while we can’t escape every chemical in the environment, we can start reducing the load, beginning in one of the most powerful spaces in our home: the kitchen.
In Biohack Me, I talk about biohacking your environment as one of the most overlooked yet transformational tools for improving energy, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance.
These simple swaps not only ease the pressure on your gut but also help reset your hormones and metabolism – without a juice cleanse or expensive detox program.
Here are my favourite sneaky kitchen swaps that can flatten bloat, support your microbiome, and spike your energy naturally.
1. Chuck the plastics, switch to glass
While we can’t escape every chemical in the environment, we can start reducing the load, beginning in one of the most powerful spaces in our home: the kitchen
‘In Biohack Me, I talk about biohacking your environment as one of the most overlooked yet transformational tools for improving energy, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance,’ Camilla says
Plastic containers, cling wrap and even takeaway tubs often contain endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates, which mess with your hormones and inflame your gut.
Swapping them out for glass containers or stainless steel lunchboxes is one of the easiest ways to biohack your kitchen environment
If you’re heating leftovers in plastic – stop. Heat causes chemicals to leach into your food. That microwave reheat moment could be quietly stressing your gut lining.
2. Upgrade your pans and chopping boards
Still using scratched-up non-stick pans or stained plastic chopping boards? It’s time for an upgrade.
Many non-stick coatings contain PFOAs or PFAS – known as ‘forever chemicals’ – linked to hormone disruption and inflammation.
Swap to stainless steel, cast iron or ceramic pans for cooking. They’re safer, more durable, and better for your health.
And while you’re at it, ditch plastic chopping boards in favour of bamboo or untreated wood. Not only do they last longer, but they also harbour fewer bacteria and don’t release microplastics into your food.
Ditch plastic chopping boards in favour of bamboo or untreated wood. Not only do they last longer, but they also harbour fewer bacteria
3. Ditch packaged sauces for homemade dressings
Those bottled salad dressings, stir-fry sauces, and marinades are often packed with hidden sugars, vegetable oils, thickeners, and preservatives – gut kryptonite.
Instead, keep it simple. Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of tahini or apple cider vinegar go a long way.
You get all the flavour without the bloating, and your gut bugs will love the switch. You can also buy healthier sauce versions which don’t have added sugar, salt and other nasties.
4. Start fermenting – or just eat some kraut
Fermented foods are your gut’s best mates. They flood your system with beneficial bacteria that help balance your microbiome, reduce inflammation, and support digestion.
Think sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kefir, yoghurt (real, unsweetened yoghurt), or kombucha. Add a spoonful of kraut to your salad or serve miso as a warm afternoon pick-me-up instead of your usual snack.
If you’re new to ferments, go slow. A tablespoon a day is enough to start shifting your gut in the right direction.
5. Rethink your cooking oils
If you’re still cooking with canola, sunflower or vegetable oil – it’s time to upgrade. These industrial seed oils are high in omega-6 and can throw your gut (and hormones) into chaos.
Switch to extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil for cooking. They’re more stable, less inflammatory, and actually help your gut absorb fat-soluble nutrients. Plus, olive oil has been linked to improved longevity and lower disease risk.
‘Get in the habit of adding spices to your meals daily. I sprinkle cinnamon in my drinks and turmeric into scrambled eggs. Herbs like oregano and thyme are brilliant on roasted veg or mixed through dressings,’ Camilla said
6. Spice things up (literally)
Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, oregano, thyme – these aren’t just flavour boosters. They’re natural anti-inflammatories, gut soothers, and immune support powerhouses.
Get in the habit of adding spices to your meals daily. I sprinkle cinnamon in my drinks and turmeric into scrambled eggs. Herbs like oregano and thyme are brilliant on roasted veg or mixed through dressings.
They’re tiny gut-healing power bombs hiding in your spice rack.
7. Cut the chemicals, not the comfort
You don’t need to go full health freak – just be label-savvy. Many processed ‘health’ foods are still loaded with artificial sweeteners, gums, or emulsifiers (like sucralose) that disrupt the gut lining and feed the wrong bacteria.
Stick to whole, recognisable ingredients. If you can’t pronounce it, your gut probably can’t either.
‘If you’re heating leftovers in plastic – stop. Heat causes chemicals to leach into your food. That microwave reheat moment could be quietly stressing your gut lining,’ Camilla says
Investing in a good water filter is one of the simplest ways to biohack your kitchen for gut health. Add a pinch of Celtic sea salt or a splash of lemon to enhance absorption
8. Hydration = digestion
Your gut can’t do its job if you’re dehydrated. Water helps move things along, supports detox, and nourishes your cells. But here’s the kicker: filtered water makes a difference.
Tap water can contain chlorine, heavy metals and other nasties that knock your microbiome around. Investing in a good water filter is one of the simplest ways to biohack your kitchen for gut health. Add a pinch of Celtic sea salt or a splash of lemon to enhance absorption.
You’ll be surprised how much this one shift can reduce bloating and boost your energy.
Biohacking your kitchen environment is one of the most empowering (and affordable) ways to reset your health from the inside out. And the best part? You don’t need fancy supplements or complex protocols – just a few smart swaps, and the willingness to start.
