where toxins can come from
It is estimated that we come in contact with at least 80,000 toxins everyday, and some studies estimate that the count is actually much higher than that. These toxins have been linked to hormonal issues like endometriosis, infertility, and developmental issues, cancer risk such as breast and lung cancer, and even autoimmunity.
While our kidneys and liver do their best to filter toxins out of our system, oftentimes there comes a point where they cannot keep up. In order for these organs to detox properly, they need to be in an environment where they are not overloaded with more than they can handle. By reducing our toxic load, we are able to create a supportive environment that allows our body to naturally detox how it should.
So, where are some major sources of these toxins?
1. Environmental Toxins
Pesticides & Herbicides: The agricultural industry often relies on the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides to safeguard crops from pests and weeds. Unfortunately, this contaminates our food supply and soil, creating higher toxin levels in our bodies over time. Common home sources include weed killers, mosquito repellent, and many household cleaners.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): When you hear endocrine, think “hormones” (so another way to refer to these are “Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals”). You can find these in plastics, cosmetics, and household items. They can leach into our bodies by being absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or absorbed into our food. EDC’s are known for mimicking or blocking natural hormones in our bodies. They have been linked to hormonal imbalances and can increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer.
Air Pollution: Urban areas often have high levels of air pollution, which can introduce toxins into our respiratory systems.
2. Dietary Toxins
Highly Processed Foods: This is any food that has been modified by adding preservatives or additives to help enhance flavor and extend the shelf-life (i.e. frozen or boxed meals, sweetened cereals, etc). The chemicals used in this process can cause massive long-term damage to your gut and hormone health by disrupting the microbiome and compromising the immune system.
Heavy Metals: Including cadmium, mercury, arsenic and lead, all have endocrine-disrupting actions. Common sources are fish and shellfish, baby formula, polyester clothing, cosmetics, fertilizers, and hair dyes.
3. Personal Care & Home Products:
Cosmetics: Many cosmetics contain an array of harmful chemicals, including phthalates and parabens, that can be readily absorbed through our skin and can lead to reproductive issues and even developmental issues during pregnancy.
Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances used in perfumes, candles, and cleaning products often contain EDCs and can drastically impact hormonal balance.
Ways To Reduce Your Toxic Load:
There is no way to completely avoid all toxins. Instead, the best we can do is take little steps and incorporate daily habits into our lives to reduce our exposure to everyday toxins.
Support Your Detox Pathways:
Eat your greens (leafy green veggies, broccoli, asparagus, etc), drink your water, and move your body! This is arguably the most important step. Eating a nutritious diet, optimizing water intake, and increasing circulation are all crucial for supporting your liver to get rid of toxins effectively.
Choose Your Food Wisely:
Opt for organic produce and pasture-raised meats to minimize pesticide and antibiotic exposure. Use the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide and avoid buying non-organic produce from their “Dirty Dozen” list, and choose foods from the “Clean 15” instead.
Watch Your Personal Care Products:
Our skin absorbs 80% of what we put on it in the first 30-minutes of application. Whenever possible, try to avoid items with fragrances, colors, parabens, phthalates, and other potential toxins.
Filter Your Water:
Invest in a good water filter to remove contaminants like heavy metals and chlorine from your drinking water.
Use Natural Cleaning Products:
Swap chemical-laden cleaning products for natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Reduce Plastic Use:
Minimize the use of plastic containers, like tupperware or water bottles, and choose glass or stainless steel when possible.
What I would like you to take away from this is to remember the concept of a bucket. Anywhere that you can minimize the toxic load filling up your bucket, the better. You don’t have to be perfect — it is impossible to avoid all toxins. That is why chipping away at this over time, will have the most long-lasting impact on you and your family’s well being.
The Author
Andi Samperi, Registered Nurse and Integrative Health Practicioner
Andi specializes in hormonal health and group coaching sessions.
Contact: andisamperi@gmail.com
Sources:
EDC’s and Increased Risk of Cancer: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731339/
Preservatives and Their Impact on the Gut Microbiome: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835893/
Fertility Impact from Parabens and BPA https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8622554/
