Today’s modern world bristles with health-robbing toxins. These harmful substances lurk in our food, water, air, household products and the environment. Luckily, a few simple measures can save your health by helping you avoid these undesirables and boost your body’s natural detoxification defenses. Toxic Burden
Studies over the past several years reveal that many people’s bodies are burdened with alarmingly high levels of many common, yet dangerous, toxins which are closely linked to numerous chronic illnesses, developmental conditions and behavioral problems. Some of the most prevalent toxins and pollutants found within and around us today include: bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, PFOA, formaldehyde, PDBEs, dioxins and heavy metals. By avoiding exposure to these all-too-common health menaces and taking regular measures to safely detoxify your body, home and surroundings, you can help protect your long-term health and possibly reduce environmental harm:
- Bisphenol-A (BPA): A chemical found in plastic that may mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting endocrine system functions. Each year in the United States, nearly 90 million plastic bottles are produced and purchased, burdening both the environment and your health. BPA from these containers seeps into your beverages at high temperatures, especially in hot weather. To minimize damage to both the planet and your health, try glass or stainless steel bottles and containers, which can be safely re-used by everyone in the family.
- Phthalates: Chemicals that bind other chemicals together and soften plastics. Sources include shampoo, perfumes, soaps, shower curtains and vinyl flooring. Phthalates also may harmfully disturb the endocrine system. Try to avoid using personal care products that contain fragrances which frequently contain phthalates.
- Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): Substance applied to the surfaces of non-stick products. It’s believed that heating non-stick pans and cookware releases PFOA vapors that you may inhale. PFOA has also been found in drinking water sources. Avoid non-stick cookware and opt for stainless steel or cast iron instead.
- Formaldehyde: A glue resin found heavily in constructed wood products, such as particle board, plywood and fiberboard. This chemical is released in vapor through a process known as “off-gassing.” To reduce exposure, purchase exterior-grade pressed-wood products, which release much lower amounts of formaldehyde. Increasing ventilation in your home can also help reduce indoor air levels.
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): Flame retardants. Although they are in many different products, they get into our bodies primarily from the dust in our homes. Items like televisions and computers contain these chemicals and gradually expel them, letting them concentrate in dust. Breathing in or touching this dust is indeed dangerous, so make sure you regularly clean and dust your house.
- Dioxins: Chemicals produced during combustion, in industrial settings as well as in common incineration and burn processes such as wood fires, backyard waste, diesel exhaust and others. Dioxins also form during bleach processes like paper pulp bleaching, as well as in the manufacture of chemical pesticide/herbicides. Your main route of exposure to dioxins is probably from dioxin-contaminated food. Dioxin accumulates in fat tissues and can increase the risk of cancer, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular illness, reproductive/developmental problems and other degenerative conditions.
- Harmful Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and other metals are industrial byproducts. These are alarmingly present in a large number of everyday sources including food (especially mercury in seafood), medicines, water, bath and household products. Unlike beneficial metals such as copper, zinc and iron, harmful heavy metals are not processed by the body. They accumulate in soft tissues, where they eventually wreak havoc by damaging DNA and disrupting critical biological functions.
Safely detoxifying heavy metals and environmental toxins is critical for long-term health and wellness. As an integrative practitioner, I have witnessed many people improve their clinical symptoms and regain their health with a comprehensive, gentle and long-term detoxification program. My top recommendations for the safe removal of toxins and heavy metals have been well researched and shown to reduce toxic body burden without affecting essential minerals:
- Modified Citrus Pectin: First used in Chernobyl to remove heavy metals and radioactive particles, modified citrus pectin is a gentle yet effective chelator of heavy metals and dangerous toxins from the circulation and digestive tract. It also provides a wide range of additional cellular health benefits.
- Modified Alginates: These seaweed-derived alginates help to bind with heavy metals and environmental toxins and allow the body to safely excrete them.
- Medicinal mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms, in particular reishi and Cordyceps, can help protect against and repair some toxin-induced damages in the body, boost immunity, detoxify tissues, regulate healthy cell replication and boost overall health.
- Antioxidants for Detoxification and Cellular Protection: High-powered antioxidants are crucial for protecting against toxin-related damage. Antioxidants protect DNA integrity, soothe inflammation from toxins, boost immunity, detoxify the body and promote overall health. Glutathione, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, is produced by the body and is known to detoxify and protect against heavy metals and radioactive toxins. The best way to supplement glutathione is to take nutrients and herbs which act as precursors to glutathione. These include cilantro, garlic, milk thistle, dandelion, lipoic acid, N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) and whey powder. I recommend taking a synergistic blend of glutathione precursors and other botanicals and nutrients specifically shown to remove heavy metals and toxins from deep within the body.
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