Reducing the Toxic Burden
- allthingsnewhealth
- Jul 24, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 1, 2020
What can we do about toxins in our environment?
We live in a world that has become increasingly toxic. The chemicals in our environment are toxic to our cells, and can cause mutations in our DNA and inflammation throughout the body. There are numerous studies that have shown that more than 200 different chemicals are found in the cord blood of babies and in breast milk. (1) Our bodies were never designed to be able to withstand all the exposures to chemicals that we are confronted with everyday. Reducing the amount of toxins that you encounter will reduce the burden on your liver and in turn reduce your risk of many diseases.
It can be overwhelming to realize these facts, but I don't believe we need to live in fear. Knowledge is empowering and the goal is to begin to take small steps towards reducing your exposure.
1. Choose non-toxic products for use in your home, car, and workplace. Avoid the use of air fresheners and dryer sheets. The VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) in air fresheners are known carcinogens and are linked to wide range of health conditions, including developmental and reproductive toxicity. For cleaning, I prefer to use a castile soap like Dr. Bronner's and have found it to be versatile and effective. Avoid storing or heating food in plastic, which leaches endocrine disrupting chemicals into your food. Glass, ceramics, or stainless steel are best.
2. Clean up your personal care items. Check out https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ to see how the products you usually use are rated. Avoid products with ingredients that are known to be harmful, such as synthetic fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.
3. Choose real, whole foods that are not processed. Get used to reading labels and avoid anything with artificial colors, preservatives, flavorings, or anything you can't pronounce! Eat organic as much as reasonable for your budget and avoid foods high in pesticides/herbicides. The Environmental Working Group publishes the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean Fifteen" annually so you can choose wisely. Washing your produce with a Veggie wash or even just plain vinegar before using also helps wash off any residue.
4. Filter your water. Use clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Filter your water (with reverse osmosis or a carbon filter).
5. Breathe clean air. Indoor air is often more toxic than outdoor air. Remember to ventilate daily and open your windows if you are in an area with good weather and fairly good air quality. If not, then invest in a good air purifier that uses HEPA filters. The top of the line air purifier is IQ Air, but there are many other brands that do a decent job, like Molekule, Blue Air, and other brands at Costco or at Allergy Buyers Club. If your'e on a budget try this DIY Air Filter using a box fan + MERV 13 filter for less than $30.
7. Detox! Use a sauna, Epsom salt baths, try dry brushing, or do any activity that allows you to sweat. Aim for at least 2x per week of activities with sweating.
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