Reducing Consumption of Toxins

Most Detox programs are not for life, and are a matter of setting aside space to be well (to rebalance or reset). Ideally though, if we can take the health affirming principles of the detoxification programs that leave us feeling well, energized and balanced, into everyday life. Why wouldn’t we? 

Focusing on detoxification for a short period of time, whilst building daily sustainable detoxification habits, can help reset the foundations, replete our inner reserves and provide adaptability long term. 

When implementing detoxification daily we arrive in a place of strength and preventative care, taking on these ideals as a part of us, rather than something we feel we need to do. 

* For specific short term detoxification support book in a consult with one of our Naturopaths *

The main objectives of a detox is to reduce your consumption of toxic substances, and to support the body to detoxify and eliminate the toxins your body has accumulated. Therefore bringing your overall toxic load down, and in an ideal world creating a neutral environment. 

In this blog we are going to look at how to reduce your consumption of toxic substances, and the best way to do this is through living as low-tox a lifestyle as possible. 

Detox With Low-Tox Living 

Remember consumption is not just about what we eat, but what we breathe, absorb from our skin, drink etc. So many of the chemicals and toxins we consume are hiding right in our homes and work-places. Items such as non-stick pans, cleaning products, or even your plastic bottled water contain an array of toxins, which are not only burdening the liver and contributing to inflammation, but are also disrupting your hormones and may be contributing to many other chronic conditions. 

Low-tox living looks like: 

• Opting for chemical and synthetic fragrance free cleaning products, or making your own! It’s amazing what can be done with vinegar, castile soap, bicarb soda and a few essential oils! 
• Ditch the teflon and non-stick pans, and opt for cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. 
• Quit plastic, for yourself and the planet. Even if it says BPA free, research has shown there may be other hormone disrupting, toxic compounds lurking around. Opt for stainless steel (check out these lunch boxes) or glass, they last longer and are more durable, making them a great investment. Beware plastic also includes packaging, and even canned foods (though not always possible to avoid, it’s just about trying your best).
• Use natural skincare, hygiene and cosmetic products, avoid synthetic fragrances, and always check the ingredients.
• Get rid of all the synthetic fragrances in your home eg air fresheners, scented candles, fabric softener etc and switch for something natural with essential oils.
• Majority of our lives we spend in clothes, and our skin is our biggest organ, so opt for natural fibers where you can, cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo etc..
• If you have to be around chemicals at work or at home, wear a mask, and ppe, and shower directly after.
• Eat organic, as least processed, unpackaged and as local, fresh and close to its wholefood form as possible. Check out the dirty dozen if organic is not an option for you. 
• Be mindful of fried and bbq’d foods as well as sugar intake, and avoid heated nut and seed oils, additives and preservatives.
• Try to eat food that is fresh, and avoid food which is rancid or mouldy.
• Breathe fresh air! Prioritize getting into nature as much as possible – especially when exercising outside, running next to the highway may be doing more bad than good. Keep some plants in your house to help filter the air, and even get an air purifier, if these options are not available. 
• Drink clean water, the water from the tap is often unfortunately poorly regulated and can contain chemicals, run-off from farms, pesticides,  bacteria and a myriad of other things. The best thing you can do aside from collecting fresh water, (and even then) is to get a good filter, you will be surprised at the difference in taste and even hydration. (check out our recommended water filter here)

Remember it’s about trying your best! At first it may seem like a big change, but in time it just becomes the norm. Try knocking out one thing at a time to make it more achievable and sustainable long term. 

Now that we know how to reduce our incoming toxic load, next we will dive into how to support detoxification and elimination to reduce our toxic load accumulating. 

Headaches, fatigue, arthritis, bad breath, or hormonal imbalance? You may need some further support more tailored to your situation, book in with one of our naturopaths to discuss a detoxification plan specific to you.