6 Essential Steps for Reducing Exposure to ToxinsDid you know that of the more than 80,000 toxins currently in use in the United States, many can be found in our own homes?Potentially harmful contaminants are ever present in our water, our food, and even the products we use each day to make our lives more convenient, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpet and upholstery, and chemical-laden soaps and cleansers. Fortunately, there are many steps we can take to reduce our exposure to everyday toxins and take the first step toward a cleaner, healthier New Year. Get started today by following these six important tips from Brenda Watson’s The Detox Strategy.
Step 1. Invest in a good air purifier for your home: More than 90 percent of particulates in the home—including smog, smoke, chemicals, fumes, mold and bacteria—are small enough to be handled by a HEPA (high efficiency particle absorption) filter. Change your air conditioning filters often, and clean the ducts yearly. Step 2. Buy a household water filter or individual faucet filters: Water filters will help remove harmful contaminants from the water you use to drink and bathe. Ask your water company for a copy of their annual water quality report to help you determine which contaminants are present, and choose the type of filter that best suits your needs. Step 3. Eliminate toxic household goods and products: Gradually change the toxic climate of your home by eliminating chemicals at the source. Consider natural-fabric carpeting, tile and wood flooring, and choose natural and organic fabrics free of chemical flame retardants when buying sheets, upholstery and clothing. Avoid non-stick cookware and always use non-toxic paint. Step 4. Choose natural household and personal care products: Take a look at the ingredients in your household cleansing products and personal care products such as toothpaste, shampoo and lotion. Choose one or two products a week to replace with a natural alternative that does not contain the harsh toxic chemicals. Better yet, make your own products using environmentally friendly ingredients! Step 5. Eat organic whenever possible: Fresh, organically grown foods are high in nutrients and do not contain the chemicals, pesticides and herbicides generally found in commercial produce. Likewise, organic meats and dairy products are free of unnecessary hormones and antibiotics.
Step 6. Enhance digestion with enzymes and probiotics: Taking a natural digestive enzyme supplement after every meal will enhance digestion and reduce the production of digestive byproducts that can lead to intestinal toxicity. A high-potency probiotic formula will help maintain a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria and crowd out harmful pathogens that can lead to poor health and disease. The Importance of Regular Internal CleansingWhile everything we do to reduce our exposure to toxins is a step in right direction, clinical research has proven that many of those toxins have been trapped inside our bodies for years. Referred to by some experts as our “human body burden,” this long-term accumulation of toxins may cause everything from mild illness and allergies to chronic disease. For this reason, regular internal cleansing with natural herbs, amino acids and other nutraceuticals is essential for drawing out toxins and eliminating them from the body. For those new to cleansing, begin with a general total-body cleanse made with whole herbs and a mild colon cleanse. From there, advanced total-body and targeted formulas support healthy detoxification and help address specific organs or conditions. Missed an issue of Brenda Watson's Healthy Living?Click here to view past issues. |
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DIY Detox: Healthy Recipes for Bath & BodyLiving a cleaner, healthier lifestyle begins right at home.That’s because everyday household cleansers and personal care products are loaded with harsh chemicals that can not only cause minor allergies and skin irritation, but that may even lead to illness and chronic disease over time. The solution, says best-selling author Brenda Watson in her book The Detox Strategy, is to gradually begin replacing commercial products with safer, natural alternatives free of synthetic chemicals. This holiday season, give the gift of detox-friendly living with these body- and soul-soothing recipes that are quick and easy to make. ==================
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Citrus Sugar Scrub 
