How To Avoid Environmental Toxins

Carrying on from my last blog post (could toxins be affecting your weight loss) you are now aware whether at home or at work, the environment contains a plethora of environmental toxins, many of which can affect weight loss. So, the question is ‘what can you do about it?

First Things First: Reduce Your Exposure to Environmental Toxins

• Choosing organic foods makes a difference, as non-organic produce is laden with herbicides and pesticides that are known endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s). If eating completely  organic isn’t an option for you, take a look at the dirty dozen and clean fifteen list that the EWG (Environmental Working Group) put out each year, and when possible purchase organic ingredients on the “dirty dozen” list.

• For those who eat meat and animal products, be mindful of where they are sourced from, and when possible choose pasture-raised hormone free chicken or eggs, grass-fed beef and lamb, wild caught fish. Animals are also exposed to chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants or ‘POPs’ as these chemicals exist in both water and soil. As discussed in my last blog post, POPs do not breakdown easily (or at all), so you consume these along with any animal products you eat.

• Avoid plastic containers (storage containers, drink bottles, takeaway cups, etc.). Instead, opt for glass or stainless steel. Many plastics contain bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS) and/or F (BPF) – which are all known EDCS with similar hormone disrupting effects (so being labelled ‘BPA-free’ does not mean it’s ok). Specifically avoid microwaving anything in a plastic container – as EDCs and other chemicals can leach out of the plastic into the food within.

• Swap any chemical-based cleaning or personal care products (and make-up) for more natural alternatives, there are plenty of good quality natural brands on the market these days.

• Avoid synthetic air fresheners and instead make your own with natural essential oils.

Secondly: Support Your Body’s Natural Detoxification Processes

This is of particular importance for those in professions that have ongoing chemical exposure. These include hairdressers, painters, cleaners, miners, metal workers and mechanics; however, everyone can benefit from the following detox tips:

• Increase your exercise intensity – get your blood pumping to promote elimination of toxins via sweating.

• Adopt daily dry skin brushing – this boosts the circulation of lymphatic fluid, which is key to eliminating tissue-based toxins. Dry skin brushing also removes dead skin cells, which increases your body’s ability to eliminate toxins via the skin more effectively.

• Book in for regular spa treatments (who wouldn’t want more of this?!) – saunas, skin wraps and massage all encourage toxin removal from your body. If they are using a body oil for a massage ask them to use an almond oil, or BYOO (take your own), it’s natural and won’t overload your body of toxins, many of the oils used in spa places are high in chemicals.

• Support your liver – our liver is our bodies main detoxifying organ and has over 500 jobs it has to do in a day, including breaking down and eliminating harsh toxins and chemicals that are in our body. Support your liver by drinking 2L of filtered water daily (add fresh lemon juice for extra cleansing benefits), eat 2-3 handfuls of organic leafy green veggies daily, eat brassica family of vegetables daily (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy), these vegetables contain a nutrient called sulforaphane which help support phase 2 liver detoxification.

Many environmental toxins are stored within fat cells in the body, so as you lose fat these are released and need to be removed from your body. Toxicity can be a reason behind weight loss plateaus (if that occurs), or feelings of fatigue and/or ‘brain fog’, amongst other symptoms. To learn more about supporting healthy detoxification and whether toxicity may be impacting your weight loss journey, speak to a qualified health care practitioner, I am more than happy to support you and guide on ways to natural support detoxification so you can feel your best.