Most North Americans would agree we live in a toxic world. Whether people live near an oil refinery or in the pristine countryside far away from cities, everyone carries environmental toxins in their body. While heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic from vehicle exhaust and smoke stacks are a hazard, so are foods bearing residue from pesticides and fertilizers which are eventually released into water we drink, and products the population uses daily such as plastics, solvents and glues which contain chemicals and PCBs. Do not forget the toxins people ingest freely such as alcohol (in excess) and tobacco.
The problem is many toxins are lipid-soluble and since the brain is composed primarily of lipids—you’ve guessed it—it is particularly sensitive to chemically-based toxins. This is one of the reasons environmental toxins have been linked to the development of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, learning and behavioural disorders and some types of dementia as well as to immune, cardiovascular and reproductive disorders and some types of cancer. Minor ailments such as frequent headaches and fatigue could also well be due to an overload of toxins in environment and food. It must be noted, however, it is very difficult to link these conditions directly to toxins, and indeed, they could be only one factor among others, but it is certain, they are a detriment to optimum health.
Sound depressing? Is there something we can do to eliminate or at least mitigate the intake and effect of toxins? First of all, it is a relief to know our bodies are capable of removing toxins to a large extent through channels such as the colon, kidneys, pores of the skin and lungs. However, if exposed to too many over a period of time, the body’s capacity to deal with them will be overwhelmed and there will be visible effects. Secondly, there are indeed ways we can help our bodies deal with unwanted and detrimental substances.
Withstand attacks
The first thing we should be serious about is eating a nutritious well-balanced diet (as outlined in last week’s column) in order to keep our bodies strong and healthy which enables it to withstand attack from toxins. This means a low or moderate intake of sugar-based or high-fat foods, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine and a high intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grain products (high in fibre) and low-fat protein such as beans and lentils.
You might consider buying organic foods, grown with no herbicides or pesticides, or at least wash fresh produce thoroughly to rid it of residue. One often sees “detox diets” which are meant to cleanse the body; however they also eliminate many healthy foods. If you want to try one of these diets or go on a strict fast or juice fast, make sure to talk to your physician first.
It is also important to drink lots of water everyday to help your digestive tract work effectively since it is imperative that one has regular bowel movements to eliminate waste materials. This is so necessary that you should consider a laxative if bowel waste is not moving out. Look for “natural” herb-based non-addictive laxatives to soften the stool and stimulate peristalsis.
Another way to help your digestive system is to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria which keeps harmful bacteria that produce toxins at bay. Ingesting probiotics found in fermented foods such as yogurt (or even sauerkraut) can help with this. Probiotics are also available in liquid or capsule form.
Thirdly, regularly engage in vigorous activity. This results in increased respiration, circulation and perspiration, all of which help the body eliminate waste material through the bowels or pores. That said, it might be a good idea to hop into the sauna occasionally in order to help your body perspire.
Most health foods stores offer herbal full-body cleansing programs to stimulate the channels of elimination (see above). It is recommended you start with a mild cleanse, and move towards a more intense program.
One should be reminded that stress on mind or body can impair the body’s ability to deal with toxins and thus lead to digestive ailments, not to speak of high blood pressure and other health issues. Thus it is important to try and eliminate stress from your life—take time for quiet moments of reflection and get enough sleep.
