You’re tired. All the time. Even after 8-10 or more hours of sleep. You’ve been getting more aches than usual. Everything stresses or irritates you.
It just doesn’t make sense.
You might even be working out, losing weight, changing your lifestyle…
But still feeling yuck!
What’s up?
It turns out that your own body can be hoarding a whole host of toxins—and you just might feel worse before you get better.
But don’t panic. We’re going to look at the main toxins that are giving you grief, how to flush them, and how to avoid them for the future.
And You Thought Starbucks Were Everywhere
A 1987 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that the average American has at least seven hundred (700) toxins in their body. That was 1987.
We assume that if a product is allowed on the market that it’s been vetted. Something harmful wouldn’t be allowed near humans and animals… right?
Currently (as of 2016), there are more than 85,000 chemicals in our everyday products in the US and, other than medications and some pesticides, not very many have been tested for human safety.
They’re Hiding… But Where?
Toxins are sneaky. They can stow away almost anywhere.
From…
- the plastics you microwave your food in,
- to your fast food meal that has a shelf life a lot longer than you do,
- to the semi-truck fumes in front of you for hours in traffic,
- to the weed killer you spray in your child’s sandbox,
… the list goes on.
So when you are exposed to one, where do you think your body stores it away?
It’s not in your heart or brain (though they will eventually get there), as the toxins would kill you quickly.
That’s why the majority of toxins you are exposed to are stored in your fat, where they kill you slowly.
It’s not reported too often, but a large percentage of people gain their weight back or die after bariatric surgery after they have lost the fat. Why? The dramatic weight loss releases large amounts of toxins which the other organs cannot take. If those toxins do not kill you, your body will store fat again to protect you.
That’s why getting healthy works best when you know what you’re dealing with.
Fat loss and toxin removal have to go hand in hand.
Invaded From All Directions
- Where you live,
- What you eat,
- Items you own,
- Past or current professions,
- Your dental work
Even your parents’ careers you could affect your present toxin build up.
So let’s take a look at what could be a toxic source in YOUR everyday life. Because healing begins when we finally pinpoint the source.
If any of these common toxins and their origins seem familiar, talk with your doctor about ways you might be affected and further steps to a clean and healthy system.
In the Kitchen
Xenoestrogens like bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol B (BPB) build up over time with the use of plastics. If you are thinking ahead and preparing your food, chances are you are using plastic containers for your food and water. This problem is amplified if you like salty or acidic foods, as these foods really leach the toxins out.
You could have issues with mercury if you ate (or eat) a lot of canned fish, such as albacore tuna.
Arsenic is another toxin that may be present in people doing their best to get healthy. If your diet program called for regular consumption of white rice, even small amounts such as ½ cup a day, you could have issues with this toxin.
This toxin has been linked to insulin resistance and could be part of the reason you regained your weight so quickly after you ended your diet and exercise program, or even why you could not get the body you were after while doing the program.
FIX:
- Make a list of foods to either avoid or cut back on. Some of these foods will only include trace amounts of toxin, but these can build up over time or with lack of moderation.
- For more extreme metal build-up, ask your doctor about chelation treatment.
FLUSH: Clear your system of food-borne, water-soluble toxins by staying hydrated! To determine how much you should drink, take your scale weight in pounds (lbs.) and multiply it by 0.75. This will give you the amount of fluid in ounces you need each day. For example: If you weigh 200 lbs, multiplying 200 x 0.75 = 150 fluid ounces/day.
In the Bathroom
Chemicals called Phthalates are commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, body sprays, hair sprays, perfumes, colognes, soap, nail polish, shower curtains, medical tubing, IV bags, vinyl flooring and wall coverings, food packaging and coatings on time-release pharmaceuticals. (Shocked yet?)
This toxin, if built up, can damage your liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.
FIX:
- It’s difficult to tell from labels alone what companies use phthalates in their products so do a little digging on your specific brands—and switch if the results are less than encouraging!
- Trade plastic bottles and containers for glass and never microwave them—the toxins leach out more easily into the water and food you’re carrying.
FLUSH: Charcoal is known for its ability to latch onto toxins and make them more easily removed through urine or feces. Take 3-4 activated charcoal pills when you need an extra detox boost—but generally, avoid taking them right after any vitamin C or important vitamins (as they might carry out the good stuff too. 😉
The Great Outdoors
Yes! We even ingest toxins from the air we breathe!
Fossil fuel pollution, especially in cities and factory areas has become a toxin epidemic. One breath can include nasty guys like benzene, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde.
The World Health Organization actually considers benzene exposure a major public health concern, as these pollutants can cause heart defects, low birth weights, and other problems.
FIX:
- Aside from trying to avoid polluted areas, keeping your car windows rolled up in traffic, and limiting exposure to smokey environments, you can avoid everyday formaldehyde by checking your furniture (strange, I know) and buying from formaldehyde-free sellers.
- Avoid, if possible, furniture made from plywood, pressed wood, or particle-board as the glues used with these products usually contain the toxin.
FLUSH: Visit your local sauna a couple times a week for a good old-fashioned sweat session. Remember to get plenty of water and replenish electrolytes!
Other ways to support your detox system include, but are not limited to:
- Getting on the correct eating plan for your body,
- Keeping your Ph above 6.5,
- Ensuring a healthy liver and kidneys,
- Correcting your hormones, including brain neurotransmitters,
- Getting the correct supplements (particularly minerals),
- Utilizing emotional or counseling support if relationship issues are at hand, (your mental/emotional coping skills with stressors, such as a bad relationship, your dislike of your God-given body)
“Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals” —James Naismith
If you are concerned you are having a hard time recovering from weight loss or toxin build-up—for whatever reason—find a good environmental doctor to run tests and help you clear the toxins that might be causing an issue.
I hope that these tips are encouraging as well as educational. Toxins are around us, but we don’t have to frightened, just informed and equipped. And you don’t have to fight a losing battle on your way to weight-loss and detox! Holistic healing is for everyone.
