Your body is constantly exposed to toxins from the external world, as well as those created within. Unfortunately toxins are evolving faster than humans and our bodies find it hard to keep up with the elimination process. This can increase the body’s toxin burden and impact on its ability to clear toxins. For whatever reason you are interested in detoxing your body - its probably a good idea. A good detoxification program is based on knowing what toxins are in your body and how to eliminate those specific toxins.
Many of the symptoms of toxic overload can also be symptoms of many diseases, some of them serious. In the short term exposure can result in; Allergies; Constipation; Diarrhea; Fatigue; Fever; Gut ache; Headache; Indigestion; Muscle aches and pains; Nausea; Poor memory; Vomiting. More prolonged toxic exposure can lead to the following: Asthma; Autoimmune diseases; Bone loss (osteoporosis); Chronic fatigue syndrome; Dementia (Alzheimer’s); Eczema; Heart disease; Impotence and infertility; Psoriasis; Recurrent infections, and possibly most degenerative diseases.
There are simple things you can do to help reduce exposure to toxins. This includes;
Use less or better personal care products. We swim in a sea of toxicity due to the amounts of chemicals (phlatates and parabens) are contained in all of the products we use – soaps, shampoo, hair products, make up, deodorant, perfume, make up. Reduce the products that you use and swap the ones you need to natural products that do not contain harmful chemicals. Brands such as scientific organics, A’kin, Botani and Meissence.
Swap your cleaning products to chemical free and use chemical free dry-cleaning. Try using eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle with water to clean surfaces with. Alternativly, chemical free brands include Abode (Melbourne made), enviroclean and natralus. These products are available in health food stores.
Eat as much organic, seasonal produce as possible. Numerous studies have concluded that organic product contains higher pesticide residues, not to mention the higher vitamin and antioxidant content. If you cannot purchase all food organic then follow the dirty dozen and select the foods shown to contain the highest levels of pesticide residue to purchase organic. If buying non- organic produce use a vegetable wash to remove pesticide residues. Dirty dozen: apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, capsicum, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce and kale. Clean 15: onions, corn, pineapple, avocado, asparagus, sweet peas, mangoes, eggplant, cantaloupe, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, sweet potato, grapefruit and mushrooms
Reduce your consumption of animal protein. Meat, fish, milk, eggs and butter (animal fat) have been found to store toxins. Eating fewer animal products can cut down on your exposure. Aim to purchase organic dairy products free of pesticides.
Reduce your consumption and purchase of packaged products. Industrially produced food contains dyes and colourings, many of which have been scientifically linked to, or are suspected of causing cancer and other health issues. Additives are also now used in health foods such as bread, butter, yoghurt, juice and muesli bars.
Reduce your exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Ensure electrical appliances house meter box, router, heated towel rail) are at least 1.5 metres away from your bed, favourite couch and any other areas where you spend time in order to reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields. Switch your mobile telephone to flight mode if you have it beside your bed at night.
Drink filtered water. Prescription drugs, contraceptives, illegal drugs, pesticides, heavy metals and industrial petrochemicals have made their way through groundwater and into food and household goods.
Avoid charred meat. The toxins caused by charring meat have been linked to numerous diseases, including cancer. Use an alternative cooking technique to cook meat.
Minimise consumption of high mercury fish. Limit your consumption to high mercury containing fish such as large tuna, swordfish and shark. Choose from the following low mercury containing blue mackerel, herring, John Dory, ocean trout, salmon, sardines, silver trevally, anchovy, blue eyed cod, bream, flathead, snapper and whiting.
Use BPA free water bottles and canned foods.
Drink alcohol and caffeine in moderation to minimise liver stress.
Keep pharmaceutical drugs to a minimum
Clean your indoor air quality with plants and ionisers.
Ensure all of your bodies channels of elimination are functioning well in order to carry out their normal function of detoxifying you!
Remember, your five organs of elimination are your liver, bowels, kidneys, lymph and skin. Keep them healthy by eating lots of vegetables, drinking enough water, exercising and sweating.