Defend Your Body from Environmental Toxins

It’s clear from the ever-growing body of research that toxins in our environment can impact numerous areas of health. Neurological, metabolic, cellular, cardiovascular health and more can all be affected by exposure to toxins.

Spend a few minutes looking through the CDC’s National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, and you’ll understand how pervasive these toxins are. From flame retardants in household dust, to pesticides in our food and much more, each of us is exposed to an unknown variety and amount of toxins on a regular basis. And it’s not just the industrial pollutants that affect us. For example, mycotoxins formed by mold contamination, commonly found on foods like nuts and grains, can cause serious damage to vital organs.

But the good news is, there are things we can do about it.
Our bodies have numerous advanced protections against toxins. The blood/brain barrier, for example, is able to keep out some toxins, but we know that heavy metals, such as lead, aluminum and mercury can enter the brain. Our natural detoxification systems, such as the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and digestive tract, work hard to metabolize toxins and waste products and safely excrete them. The microbiome, the diverse microbial community inhabiting our digestive systems plays an important role in protecting against toxins. But when out of balance, its members can actually produce toxins of their own that are damaging to our health.

The new year is a good time to take a close look at your home and work environment, your diet and body care products. Become a careful label reader and take advantage of all the resources available to guide us in wise choices, such as choosing low mercury seafood.

Leave a Reply

avatar