We live in a world where it’s nearly impossible to avoid toxins. They’re in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. As these toxins become more prevalent in the body, they can contribute to unfavorable side effects – inflammation, depression & anxiety, brain fog, blood sugar imbalances – among many others. That’s why we believe everyone can benefit from making small changes to limit their intake of the everyday toxins so abundant in our environment.
#1 Protect yourself from everyday household chemicals
This may sound like a really challenging task, but the truth is that little changes can make a major difference! Below we've summarized some of the favorites of David Servan-Schreiber, MD & PhD and author of Anticancer: A New Way of Life.
Air out dry-cleaned clothing for a few hours before wearing them
Use natural deodorants without aluminum
Opt for natural and organic cosmetic products that are free of parabens, phthalates, and estrogens
Replace chemical cleaning products with white vinegar (for counters and floors), baking soda, or white soap
Use insecticides made from essential oils or boric acid, as opposed to chemical household pesticides or insecticides
Use glass or ceramic containers (never plastic) when heating up foods or liquids
Avoid inorganic phosphate additives by limiting your consumption of sodas, processed meats, and commercial baked goods
#2 Eat organic & grass-fed whenever possible
This is particularly important for animal products (e.g., milk, meat, yogurt, cheese, and omega-3 eggs). It is also always preferable to opt for the organic label when selecting grains, fruits, and vegetables. This is particularly true when purchasing foods that fall under the 'high contamination' category - a list that includes apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, grapes, peppers, celery, green beans, potatoes, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, squash, and pumpkin.
#3 Balance your diet
Try to minimize your consumption of white flour, sugar, and products containing omega-6s (e.g., sunflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, safflower oil, hydrogenated trans fat, margarine, nonorganic animal fat), as these foods tend to stimulate inflammation. On the flip side, try to increase you omega-3 intake by eating more fish, flaxseeds and oil, and grass- or flaxseed-fed animal products.
#4 Filter your tap water
Use an inverse osmosis filter or a carbon filter to remove the many contaminants that may end up in your drinking water such as arsenic, asbestos, lead, mercury, and radon.
#5 Practice mindfulness
Work to incorporate some method of relaxation and self-centering into your daily routine. This may include yoga, qigong, cardiac coherence, tai chi, among many others. Doing so will reduce your stress levels, which is linked to improved digestive systems that are better able to detoxify your body!
Source: Servan-Schreiber, D. (2017). Anticancer: A new way of life.