Invisible Toxins in our Lives
There are chemicals present in our every day environment that are harmful to our bodies. The industrial and agricultural revolutions have made a huge difference to how we live and eat. The side effect of these revolutions is that we have been exposed to chemicals our bodies are not designed to deal with. These chemicals are present in our water, our food, the air we breath, consumer and personal care products, and have even been found in breastmilk and in utero. We are just beginning to realise the harmful effects that these chemicals exert.
We have fluoride in our water, mercury in our fillings and fish, nitrates in fertilisers, PCBs as coolant in fridges, Teflon on our saucepans, lead, aluminium and much more. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 deadly chemicals! These include ammonia, arsenic, cadmium, carbon monoxide, DDT and Hydrogen cyanide.
Most Common Offenders
Phthalates are in many cosmetic products including hairspray, shampoo, fragrances, make-up and
deodorants. They are hormone like chemicals that have been linked to reproductive and developmental delays in animals.Flame Retardants commonly used in mattresses,upholstery, clothes and television and computer casings. Studies link them to learning and memory problems, lower sperm counts and poor thyroid
function in rats and mice.
Air Fresheners and Cleaning Solutions, when used excessively or in a small unventilated area release toxic levels of pollutants. Air fresheners in particular are linked to many volatile organic compounds.
BPA or Bispenol-A has a structure similar to estrogen and is referred to as a 'hormone disruptor'. They are found in plastic water and drinks bottles and are very disruptive to the body.
Areas proven to be affected
Our brain and nervous system, immune system, our hormines, reproduction and fertility, skin and respiratory health, birth defects and developmental delays, DNA mutation and cancer.
Thankfully, there are lots of things we can do to minimise our exposure.
How to Minimise Toxin Exposure in Our Bodies
• Mercury is toxic to the brain and is prominent in large ocean fish such as tuna. Consume small fish that are low in mercury and high in healthy omega 3 fats such as mackerel, herring and wild salmon.
• Avoid buying and drinking water in plastic bottles and NEVER drink from plastic bottles that have been left in a warm car. The stronger estrogen like chemicals contained in the plastic will leach into the water and can cause hormone disruption. Invest in a stainless steel drinking bottle.
• Wash all fresh fruit and vegetables in a vinegar and water solution before consuming. The fruits and vegetables sprayed with the most pesticides are apples, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, hot peppers, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, salad leaves. BUY ORGANIC fruit, vegetables, meat and fish where possible.
• Eat a diet rich in strong coloured fruits and vegetables as these contain anti-oxidants and other phytonutrients that will help to keep your body clean from the inside out.
• Drink plenty of filtered water and eat plenty of dietary fibre to help elimination of waste from the body. You should aim for at least 1-2 bowel movements a day.
• Support your liver and detoxification pathways. Include lots of sulphur rich foods in your diet such as onions, garlic, broccoli, sprouts, kale, cabbage and cauliflower.
• Keep moving! Breathe deeply and walk every day! When you walk at a brisk pace your legs provide a natural pumping action which serves to move the lymph through the lymphatic system. Lymph is a colourless fluid containing white blood cells, that helps rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. It does not have have a pump so it is very important to keep it moving. It is also vitally important that we breath properly and deeply. Our lungs are actually our second largest detox organ in the body!
How to Minimise Toxin Exposure in our Homes
• Wet dusting and mopping helps to keep house dust under control.
• Switch to non-toxic cleaners. Baking soda is good for sinks and vinegar and water is good for windows and floors. Lemon juice in a spray bottle with water leaves a lovely smell in your kitchen and bathroom. Rinse with water afterwards.
• Never place plastic containers in a microwave even if it says it's safe on the label.
• Use a fluoride free toothpaste and consider getting a water filter that will remove fluoride and other impurities from your home supply.
• Use eco friendly cleaning products, and go for fragrance free washing detergents.
• Rinse the suds off your washing up under the tap before drying.
• Use pure aromatherapy oils to fragrance your home instead of toxic air freshener sprays and plug ins.
• Store fresh foods or cooked foods and liquids in glass or ceramic containers.
Thank you for visiting my Blog today. If you require any more information or would like to book a nutritional consultation with me, please ring me on 085 166 1648 or email me at katyosullivannutrition@gmail.com
Yours in nutrition
Katy.
