Toxins and their effects
Toxins are poisonous substances either introduced into the body from outside or formed inside from metabolic processes that cause us dis-ease. This heightens inflammation in our bodies and our blood becomes acidic, which leads to many disease. In some cases, the diseases can lead to death. So toxins are not to be dismissed lightly.
Many people know by now that their houses and bodies, if they are not selective about what they buy, are filled with these toxins. Some products and foods contain chemicals and others simply go rancid once inside the body and cause it harm. These affect our health, the health of our pets and even our plants. However, there are many common toxins that we can easily eliminate simply by refusing to buy those products or throwing the ones we have in the bin.
First on the list are the synthetic-chemical-containing perfumes and makeup. Perfumes we use on our body, air fresheners and anything else that interferes with our breathing is toxic and may even cause asthma. Diethyl phthalate is one of these toxins and absorbed in the skin. This substance is suspected of being carcinogenic and disrupting hormone function as well as leading to fertility issues. If you really like perfumes, just use a natural essential oil.
Next on the list is water in plastic bottles. Many of our bottles now are recyclable; however, did you know that there are issues with the temperature of water being at room temperature, then chilled and then transported, and then at room temperature again? In some cases, the water can develop bacteria, and, depending on the material the bottle is made of, the toxins can also leach into the water that you drink. The answer? A reusable water bottle made from stainless steel and either a water filter attached to your sink or some other water-filtering device.
Having said this, we must bring to mind the toxic factor of plastic. Our oceans are filled with it; our landfills, our garbage dumps. Plastic is a toxin and does not disintegrate. Vinyl is the worst. It is banned in many countries. However, it can be found in many things. It disrupts our hormones, contaminates our air and our bodies, leading to high levels of toxins in the body and in turn inflammation.
If we stop buying, soon the manufacturers will be forced to find new ways to make these products.
Next on the list is canned food. There are many ingredients and liners in cans that can affect your hormones and heart, and are linked to depression, obesity and even in some cases cancer. Some food brands have stopped using these substances, others not. But why would anyone buy food in a can when they can buy it fresh, organic or even grow it in their Garden? You can add to the toxin buildup in your body the potential toxins in frozen vegetables. Did you know that some vitamins are destroyed on exposure to cold or heat so the food becomes useless as a nutrient for your body? Best are organic vegetables and fruit, now available from many places as home delivery and not much more expensive than at your local supermarket where the produce could have been grown in ‘toxic’ soil. In this case, toxins refers to all of the sprays and pesticides used.
There are many synthetic-chemical pesticides and they all contain toxins. They have been made to kill pests and this is what is contaminating our food, our air and being carried on your shoes into your home. On the other hand, there are also nontoxic, synthetic-chemical-free ways to get rid of pests. Many growers though have still not swapped to nontoxic methods and so the foods some of us are eating are not foods anymore. They have become potential poisons, unfortunately.
Add to all of this the cleaners containing caustic solutions or acids that we use to clean our homes, toilets and, in some cases, wash our dishes. These toxins are going into your carpets, tiles, onto your shoes, into your clothes and some are so caustic they can burn the skin and eyes so you need to wear gloves while cleaning. Compare to this the many nontoxic cleaners out there. The take-home message regarding all of the above? Read labels.
If your products or foods are toxic in any way, throw them out if they’re in your house. Don’t buy them off your supermarket shelves, don’t put them on your face and don’t put them in your body. If we stop buying, soon the manufacturers will be forced to find new ways to make these products. The outcome will be a healthy body for you and your family, a healthier world for your kids and grandkids and a healthier planet for all the other beings with whom we share this Earth. Let’s not just celebrate Earth Day: let every day be Earth day when we stop destroying our environment … and ourselves.
