There’s just absolutely no possible way to avoid toxins. They’re in the food we eat (especially if you’re a fan of the Western diet), the water we drink, and even in the air we breathe (especially if you happen to live and/or work in an urban area). Add those to the toxins we flood our systems with anytime that we’re stressed out and it’s no wonder that we get sick! While you might not be able to completely avoid them no matter what you do, there are ways that you can minimize the amount of toxins you allow into your system. Here are nine different things that you can work into your routine that will help you try and avoid all of the colds and flus that this (entirely too long) winter season is sure to bring.
Avoid Processed Foods Whenever You Can
I know that I harp on about the importance of eating a diet as rich in whole, organic foods as much as possible – You’ve heard it before, which is why I’m going to get it out of the way first. Common sense tells us that what goes in must eventually (at least try to) make its way out, and the less toxins your body has to try and deal with, the better.
If you absolutely must eat a packaged food (sometimes there really is no time to make anything else or you have a super picky child), try and make sure that there are less than five ingredients in that food and that you can actually pronounce each one of them (and that you actually know what they are). If you can’t eat organic, try and at least stay away from the dirty dozen.
While we’re on the subject of organic – When I say you should try to eat organic as much as possible, I mean that you should be growing your own produce and/or becoming friends with a local farmer. A lot of the certified organic produce that you’re able to buy at the grocery store is actually loaded with chemical laced fertilizers, pesticides, and other synthetic substances.
Same goes for meat – Try to buy as local and grass fed as possible.
Stay Away From Tap And Bottled Water
Especially if you live in a city (If you’re in the country and you get your water from a well, you might be able to get away with drinking your tap water as long as you get it tested regularly to ensure that you’re always getting good quality). The quality of tap water decreases on a daily basis; becoming more and more contaminated with harmful substances such as prescription pills (from people flushing them down the toilet – This is why you should take any of your unused prescription meds to your pharmacist, they’ll dispose of them properly) and other waste materials. Additionally, tap water is treated with things like chlorine and fluoride, both of which can be detrimental to your overall health.
Don’t think that reaching for a bottle of water over your tap water is going to be any better for you though. Some reports suggest that bottled water isn’t really all that different from tap water anyway, and some others say that the plastic bottles themselves leak chemicals into the water (This rings especially true to any bottle that’s been exposed to direct sunlight for any prolonged period of time since heat increases the release of chemicals in all plastics. That’s why you should also avoid reheating any food in the microwave that’s in a plastic container).
So what’s the solution? A glass water bottle (or mason jar, since apparently that’s a thing now) with pure, natural spring water and/or a really great filtration system. Bonus points if you add fruit for extra vitamins.
Use Natural, Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
There isn’t a thing out there that needs to be cleaned with chemicals (Seriously. When I was a cleaner, I figured out a way to replace muriatic acid and still get tile grout off of a floor naturally. Elbow grease, people – It’ll get you further than you think). Here’s a recipe I use for everyday cleaning. It gets rid of soap scum, makes metal super shiny, and smells pretty good:
You’ll need two 4L vinegar bottles (one empty and one full), some Dawn dish soap (Any scent will do, but I find that the blue one smells the best), and a couple of empty spray bottles (keep a couple around when you’re dumping out your chemical cleaners).
Pour half of the vinegar into the empty bottle, add enough dish soap to make it a nice light colour of blue (I just eyeball it, but it’s probably somewhere around ¼ cup per bottle – About half the bottle of dawn per 2L), and pour the solution into spray bottles. That’s it! Use the solution full strength for more heavy duty jobs, or dilute in water and use to clean your floors and/or windows. I’ll post some more natural cleaning solutions at a later time, but this will replace 98% of what you’re using to clean your house now. Worried about an overpowering vinegar smell? Don’t be – It dissipates quickly.
Get Rid Of Your Makeup
And other personal care items; at least the ones that are loaded with chemicals (which I’m sure you’ll find after reading the ingredients labels is pretty much everything in your bathroom). Most shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, makeup, makeup removers, creams, toothpastes, and other care products are absolutely chalked full of all kinds of things that are known to be bad for you. Think about it – You’re putting it on, and it’s being immediately absorbed by your skin (the largest organ in your body), giving it a first class ticket to poisoning your body with all kinds of different toxins.
Coconut oil can replace a whole lot of things (I replaced pretty much everything in my bathroom with it, from toothpaste to night cream) under your cabinet in in your shower. As for your makeup, you can opt to DIY or look for mineral makeups when you’re cruising the makeup aisle next time you’re out.
Eat More Salt
Contrary to what a lot of people in the media (and a few health “gurus”) might like you to believe, a low salt diet isn’t exactly ideal for you, especially if you need some help detoxing. Don’t get me wrong – It’s absolutely true that refined salt is a horrible chemical wasteland that should definitely be avoided at all costs. But unrefined, natural pink or sea salt are great for you.
Salt can help with headaches, fatigue, thyroid disorders, cholesterol and blood pressure disorders, and a whole lot more. In addition to all of that, it can also help boost your immune system (which is especially great when you consider that cold and flu season is beginning to creep up on us fast). If you want to learn more about the benefits of natural unrefined salts (and just how toxic refined table salts actually are), I strongly suggest reading this book by Dr. Brownstein (an incredible holistic doctor).
Get Rid Of Those Vices
Regardless of whether you’re a smoker, drinker, or recreational drug user – Whatever your vice is, I assure you it’s not helping your body in any way. There are a ton of resources available both locally and online to you that can help you get the things you need to quit, use them. You’ll be amazed by how great you feel after whatever your addiction is no longer has a hold on you.
I know it seems hard, and I’m not for one second going to tell you that it’s not going to be (I’ve been there myself and would be more than willing to talk to anyone that needs an extra push), but I do promise that you won’t regret it.
Take Another Look At Your Medicine Cabinet
Over the counter or a prescription that your doctor signed – Many medications are horrible for your body (and some only help you mask the symptoms until your body takes care of whatever you need it to). That doesn’t mean throw out everything as soon as you’re done reading this article. Yes, a lot of the time your ailment can be cured or at least lessened by a healthy diet, natural remedies, and some exercise, but that doesn’t mean that the transition shouldn’t be monitored.
While a lot of doctors are willing to work with you when you’re pursuing a more natural way, but some won’t. At the very least you could have your doctor take a second look at the list of medications you’re taking (both prescribed and over the counter) to see if there’s anything that could be eliminated or substituted. Additionally, you could also consider getting a second opinion from a holistic practitioner. Another alternative is to head to your pharmacist – He or she will be able to educate you on the medications and could possibly suggest exactly what changes you should be discussing with your doctor the next time you have an appointment.
Stop Eating More Than You Need To
This is a big problem, especially in North America where people seem to have an entirely different perspective than the rest of the world of what a portion size really is. Overeating – Even when the foods are healthy – can cause a buildup of toxins because our bodies are only designed to need so much food at one time. Eat more than you actually need to and that food becomes toxic waste in your digestive tract, distributing itself throughout your bloodstream and body. Generally in addition to a toxic gut, this results in excess weight gain.
The easiest way to avoid overeating is eat foods that are whole and actually enjoy them when you’re eating – Savour the taste and texture of it, discuss how you feel about it with everyone else at the table and get their opinions on it as well. Our bodies are designed to let us know when they’re full – When yours does, listen to it: More than just your belly rolls will thank you.
Avoid Stress Whenever Possible
Okay, so I realize that this one might seem a little easier said than done, which is exactly why I used the words whenever possible. Stress causes our bodies to overproduce cortisol (which is awesome in small doses but not so great when it’s pumping through our systems all the time) which can eventually become toxic to our systems. Here are a few things you can do to lighten your overall stress load though:
* Establishing proper sleeping habits (at least six hours a night)
* Meditation
* Dry Skin Brushing
* Yoga
* Running
* Other forms of regular exercise
* Avoiding unnecessary confrontation (is that argument with your boss or sister really worth it? Chances are if you take five minutes to calm down and think about it, you’re probably going to find that the answer is no).
* A hot detox bath with Epsom salts, baking soda, and lavender.
Now that you’re loaded with all of the information you need to keep your body as clean as is possible in the world we’re currently living in, go forth and prosper in great, detoxed health!
Living in a toxic environment is inevitable – What are you doing to make sure that your body stays as healthy as possible in a world full of unhealthy things? Let us know in the comments section – We always love hearing from you!
And don’t forget to pin this post if you liked it as well so that you can easily find it later.
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