Part 2 – Identifying Environmental Toxins
In Part 1 of my series, Using Food as Medicine, I explored a variety of foods that naturally cleanse your body. Part 2 will investigate common harmful chemicals that are found in many products used on a daily basis. I will also provide some cleaning solutions that are effective and not damaging to your body.
Environmental Toxins
Environmental Toxins can be extremely difficult to avoid in the world we live in today. Consider all the products you use or come into contact with daily. Realize this daily contact can really crank up your overall toxin load. These toxins can be damaging to us because they can disrupt our endocrine systems, which regulate many of the body’s biological processes from conception through old age.
Toxins are not only found in pesticides, insecticides, pollution, second hand cigarette smoke and food additives, they are now often found in many skin products, toothpastes, household cleaners and laundry detergent. If you see any of these ingredients in your day-to-day products, I recommend finding possible alternatives.
- Sodium laurel sulfate-found in toothpaste, mouthwash and body wash
- Triclosan– found in antibacterial products
- Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben etc)- cosmetics and personal care products
- BPA-found in plastics and thermal cash register receipts
- Phthalates– found in cosmetics or fragrances
Refer to the web site by the Environmental Working Group for more information on this topic.
Cleaning supplies
Along with cleaning out our bodies, we will also need to clean out our surroundings. I am sure you have seen all kind of information online about DIY house cleaners, but do they really work? Are you still getting the level of clean that those “harmful” chemicals can get you? Short answer: yes!
Many recipes list vinegar and baking soda as ingredients. Several studies have shown regular household vinegar to be as effective or nearly as effective as commercial cleaners in eliminating microbes like E.coli from surfaces and sponges, effectively eliminating between 90-98% of bacteria, all without damaging your health!
Vinegar:
- Deodorizes
- dissolves mineral deposits and grease
- removes soap traces
- mildew and wax build-up
- polishes brass, chrome copper, pewter and stainless steel
Baking Soda:
- neutralizes acid
- scrubs shiny materials without scratching
- deodorizes refrigerators, carpets, upholstery, vinyl and drains
- cleans and polishes aluminum, chrome, jewelry, plastic, porcelain, silver, stainless steel and tin
In my final part of this series, Cleaning Out the Toxins, I will be examining the importance of Dry Skin Brushing. This helpful tool can have a larger impact on health and wellness that many may not have originally thought. Stay tuned and also be on the look out for upcoming cleaning solutions to use in your own home as you clear out!