Scientists have been trying to explain why people get sick for centuries.
Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine, thought people got sick due to an imbalance between three “humors”: blood, bile, and phlegm.
Medieval doctors thought people got sick as a consequence of their sins.
When scientists decoded the human genome, many thought that would at least shed light on diseases caused by genetics.
More recent research has put the blame for many of the illnesses suffered by humans on a man-made cause: environmental toxins.
What Are Toxins?
Toxins are chemicals and compounds that can cause harm to the human body.
In some cases, toxins are naturally occurring. Such is the case with heavy metals. And then other toxins, like plastics, are entirely man-made.
Common toxins include:
- Arsenic: this toxic heavy metal can occur in ground water. Exposure to it can cause cancer, skin lesions, and cardiovascular disease.
- Lead: this heavy metal often occurs in municipal water supplies where water is exposed to lead pipes. It causes brain, nervous system, and red blood cell damage. Unfortunately, it often affects young children the most.
- Mercury: this is another toxic heavy metal that can cause neurological and developmental problems in unborn babies and young children. It has also been linked to problems in the nervous and digestive systems.
- Pesticides: these chemicals are designed to kill insects, but they are toxic to humans, too. Pesticides can cause a wide range of problems ranging from birth defects to nervous system conditions.
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls: known more commonly as PCBs. These compounds can cause cancer and other health issues. At one time PCBs were used in a wide variety of industrial applications, but they have been banned by most countries due to their toxicity.
- Radon: this naturally occurring radioactive gas can cause lung cancer when it accumulates in poorly ventilated houses and buildings.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): these compounds are released into the air from products like paint, adhesives, and cleaning products. If breathed, they can cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract, as well as dizziness and headaches.
- Plastics: several types of plastic can release toxins into the environment when scratched or heated. In general, plastics with the recycling numbers 3, 6, and 7 put people at the highest risk.
How to Reduce Your Risk from Toxic Chemicals
Contrary to popular opinion, a short-term cleanse won’t magically “flush” toxins from your body. The good news is that your liver and kidneys do a pretty good job of removing toxins from your body on their own.
Having said that, it’s best to avoid environmental toxins wherever possible. Following are several steps you can take to minimize the dangers that toxic chemicals pose to you or your loved ones:
- Be AwareIn most cases, the geographical areas where people are at the highest risk for coming into contact with naturally occurring toxins like radon and heavy metals are known. Building practices and water use can be used to reduce the risk of exposure in these areas.
By law, potentially hazardous compounds that are contained in any commercial product have to be identified on the product’s label.
- Stay HydratedYour body needs fluid to remove toxins efficiently. Most health experts recommend drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day.
- Eat a Healthy DietA diet consisting of lean protein, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats will help to support your body’s natural detoxification processes.
- ExerciseStaying active helps your body to remove toxins, while at the same time supporting overall good health.
- Take Care of Your LiverYour liver is the most important organ in your body when it comes to toxin removal. Good practices for liver health include a healthy diet, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and managing stress.
- Use Natural Cleaning Products at HomeNatural, environmentally safe, non-toxic products exist for house cleaning, personal care, and even pest control.
Toxins pose an obvious threat to your health and well-being. However, if you follow the steps listed above you can minimize your risk.
Want to effectively protect yourself from toxic chemicals? Renew Youth can help you to find the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with Renew Youth by calling 800-859-7511 or use our contact form.