Do You Know If Your Are Toxic?
The word “detox” is such a trendy word these days and, as I am sure you are aware, there are all sorts of different products on the market that promise detoxifying properties. It is a hugely important process that our bodies do naturally and in fact it is working 24 hours a day 7 days a week on the process of detoxification. The liver, skin and digestive tracts are incredible detoxifiers but they need to be functioning to full capacity to protect our bodies from the plethora of toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis.
So why is detoxing so important for our overall wellbeing? How do you know if you are toxic and what do you do to decrease your exposure to toxins?
Why is detoxing so important?
Would you believe that there are over 85,000 synthetic chemicals registered in the United States alone? This number is increasing annually. You would think that all of these chemicals would have been tested for safety, and whilst some have, many have not. Unfortunately many of these chemicals actually cross the blood-brain barrier, causing neurotoxic effects which ultimately will impact our health in ways we have yet to identify. There’s even a theory that environmental contaminants may contribute to the epidemic of obesity in what’s called the obesogen hypothesis. It is vital then that we reduce our exposure to as many toxins as we can and that our bodies are able to eliminate toxins efficiently.
How can you tell if you are toxic?
The best way to find out if you are toxic or not is to ask yourself a few fundamental questions such as:-
- Do you commonly experience brain fog, fatigue, drowsiness?
- Are you sensitive to fragrances, perfumes and other smells?
- Do you have lots of food sensitivities and allergies?
- Do you feel ill after consuming caffeine or alcohol?
- Do you have problems losing weight?
- Are you exposed to herbicides, insecticides or pesticides?
If you answered yes to these questions, it may be time to look at your environment and lifestyle more closely.
How can you decrease your exposure to toxins?
You don’t even need to leave your house to be exposed to toxins, our homes are full of toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis. In fact the average person is exposed to over 100 chemicals before they even step foot outside the door in the morning. It is therefore vital for your overall wellbeing that you find ways to minimize your contact with toxins.
Below are a few pointers that may help you reduce your exposure:
- Eat real locally grown organic food.
- Choose grass-pastured, sustainably-raised meat and dairy.
- Replace plastic products with glass when you can.
- Switch to organic toiletries – shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, skin care, etc.
- Use natural cleaning products.
- Use glass cookware instead of non-stick pots and pans.
- Try and find as many fragrance free products as you can.
- Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Reducing your exposure to the toxins you can control will at least give your body a chance to cope with the toxins you cannot control.