By Heather McCauley
A body can experience many kinds of toxicity, in mild to extreme levels. In our highly industrialized society, people are exposed to more toxins (officially, toxicants) than ever before. There are toxins in the air we breathe, the food we eat and in the products we use. By-products of chemical, industrial and technological processes are released into the atmosphere. Our food is sprayed with chemicals and packed with preservatives, in containers that leech known carcinogens. Whether we are ingesting them, inhaling them, cleaning with them or slathering them all over our bodies, toxins put each one of our fragile cells at risk for disease. Although many benefits can be achieved by cleansing the body, detoxification doesn’t necessarily mean “fasting”. By reducing your continued exposure to environmental and dietary toxins, you can increase your overall well-being.
A body can experience many kinds of toxicity, in mild to extreme levels. In our highly industrialized society, people are exposed to more toxins (officially, toxicants) than ever before. There are toxins in the air we breathe, the food we eat and in the products we use. By-products of chemical, industrial and technological processes are released into the atmosphere. Our food is sprayed with chemicals and packed with preservatives, in containers that leech known carcinogens. Whether we are ingesting them, inhaling them, cleaning with them or slathering them all over our bodies, toxins put each one of our fragile cells at risk for disease. Although many benefits can be achieved by cleansing the body, detoxification doesn’t necessarily mean “fasting”. By reducing your continued exposure to environmental and dietary toxins, you can increase your overall well-being.
Toxicity affects several major organs and systems including the blood, kidneys, liver, intestines, lungs, skin and lymphatic system. The symptoms of toxicity could include allergies, insomnia, fatigue, confusion, irritable bowel and skin disorders. Aside from extreme treatments such as chelation, juicing or fasting (none of which is recommended without medical supervision), there are simple steps anyone can implement in order to detoxify their lifestyle. First, choose food that is closest to its natural form. We can’t all live vegetarian, vegan or raw lifestyles but, when possible, select organic foods and prepare in PFOA -free cookware. Limit the use of your microwave, as some research indicates microwaving food changes its molecular structure and renders it toxic. Drink plenty of filtered water (non-bottled) every day. Watch your exposure to household chemicals and cleaning products. Read the labels and be aware of everything you put on your skin. Take advantage of supplementary detoxification techniques; massage, shower filters, dry-brushing, saunas, sweating/exercise, deep breathing, vitamin/mineral supplements, yoga and meditation.
By implementing any of the above protocol, we can reduce our exposure to toxins. Beware the effects of detoxification, though. Some people may actually feel (and look) worse before getting better. Irritability, headaches, skin lesions, excessive mucous and fever are all signs that the body is being cleansed. It is important to stick with the process! In time, you will emerge with renewed vitality and embrace your conscious, toxin-free well-being.
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