Minimize Exposure to Toxins
Since it is common knowledge now that toxins block our metabolisms, interfere with weight control mechanisms, disrupt our hormones, damage cells, increase inflammation and oxidative stress among other unnecessary assaults on our health—it makes sense to do what we can to purify or detoxify our systems.
The great news is that much improvement can be made by making some very simple lifestyle changes:
- Eat organic foods whenever possible--reduce the ingestion of pesticides, hormones, herbicides, and antibiotics
- Drink purified or filtered water
- Use air filters--HEPA/ULPA filters can help reduce dust, molds and other sources of indoor pollution
- Clean & monitor your heating systems--eliminate the release of deadly carbon monoxide
- Keep houseplants—they filter the air
- Air out your dry cleaning—before you wear it
- Avoid excess exposure to environmental petrochemicals—including garden chemicals, car exhaust, second hand smoke
- Reduce or eliminate the use of toxic household and personal care products—anti-perspirants, antacids and pots & pans containing aluminum
- Minimize electromagnetic radiation—from TVs, microwave ovens, radios
- Reduce ionizing radiation—don't overdo X-rays or sun exposure
- Reduce exposure to heavy metals—found in predatory fish(tuna, swordfish, shark, tilefish, sea bass), river fish, water, lead paint, and thimerosol-containing vaccines
- Avoid cooking with Teflon-coated pans
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily
- Exercise regularly—helps flush toxins our of your tissues and into your circulation where they can be detoxified
*adapted from Ultra-Metabolism by Mark Hyman, M.D.