Are You Toxic?

Did you know your home may be one of the most toxic environments you and your kids ever step foot in? Every day we surround ourselves with chemicals and other toxic substances (oftentimes unknowingly). We eat them, “clean” our homes with them, and cover our bodies with them…all without a moment’s hesitation. And, your liver has to process every toxin you touch, consume and breathe. Oftentimes our kids are more exposed and susceptible as their bodies are so small and are still developing, and as parents we opt for plastic serve-ware, sunscreens, and treated products – all in the name of safety or protection. Unfortunately, these products contain toxins that lead to inflammation, cancers, hormonal imbalances, immune disorders, skin irritations, and asthma; and yet many of us are still unaware of this issue or know what to do about it. Scary, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be.
 Are You Toxic?Symptoms of toxicity are numerous and toxins affect each body differently; however, chances are, if you eat, breath, drink, bathe, or participate in daily life on this planet, you are regularly exposed to high levels of toxins. Unfortunately, the symptoms of toxin overload are similar to many other ailments, making it difficult to diagnose. These symptoms include: fatigue, depression, headaches, digestive distress, hormonal imbalances, brain fog, and skin issues (to name a few). If left untreated, toxin exposure will eventually lead to some form of inflammation in the body. This inflammation may present as: allergies and asthma, blood sugar imbalances, obesity, heart disease, fibromyalgia, fertility problems, cancer, auto-immune diseases, and more.
 But you are in luck! With proper education and action, you may find you are able to clean up your act quite easily and prevent ALL of these health problems and more. The top five sources of toxins are: water, food, environmental, personal care products, and stress/negative thinking. By addressing these five sources of toxins and instead choosing to nourish your body, you can easily begin to experience optimal health.
 ·      As we know from countless environmental movements over the years, toxins are everywhere. While it is nearly impossible to control the toxins we are exposed to outside the home, we can make a huge impact on our toxin intake, just by cleaning up the home. Some common indoor toxins include: carpeting, paint/stains/adhesives, BPA, Teflon, flame retardants, air fresheners and cleaning solutions.
 ·      You may be aware of the growing controversy regarding organic foods versus “conventionally” raised food and food-like products. Conventionally grown produce is covered in herbicides and pesticides; when processed, these “foods” often contain additional chemicals. No matter how well we scrub, we still consume these toxins, so opt for the cleanest food possible and learn more about the “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” to help you make informed decisions.
 ·      With over 140 contaminants in tap water, including pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, anti-depressants, birth control pills, seizure medication, cancer treatments, pain killers, and tranquilizers), it is also smart to choose filtered water whenever possible and avoid plastic water bottles.
 ·      The products we use to look our best may actually be our biggest source of aging and can also disrupt our hormones and metabolism. Instead, choose personal care products that are free of parabens, petrochemicals, chemical sunscreens, artificial colors and fragrances, fomaldehyde, phthalates, triclosan, and aluminum.
 ·      The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 90% of all illness and disease is due to stress. Stress can kill the good bacteria that live in your intestines to keep your immune and digestive systems strong. Manage your stress with activities like meditation, yoga, prayer, journaling, exercise, meaningful relationships, or essential oils.
 The SolutionIn addition to removing the various sources of toxins from your home, it can be incredibly beneficial to help the body release the toxins it has stored. Lucky for you (and your kiddos), there is no need for an intense detox regimen. The body is designed to remove toxins from the body so all you need to do is let the body heal itself, by itself by giving it the proper nutrition it needs to work at optimal efficiency. Simply opt for a diet high in fruits and vegetables, free of caffeine and sugar, and low in meat and dairy; get adequate sleep; and promote the release of toxins by drinking more (filtered) water and exercising. By making only a few of the changes listed above, you will be on a path towards reduced toxicity and will reap the many benefits associated with toxin-free living, such as: weight loss, increased energy, reduced cravings, mental clarity, clear skin, better immunity, and balanced hormones. Just think about how you would feel if you did two or three of these things a day…and the future your kids would have if they grew up with these behaviors as habit!

Beth Bunchman, MS, CHHC


303-956-8063

beth@secondnaturehealthcoaching.com