From Health magazine
Every day we put potential toxins into our mouths, breathe them into our lungs, and track them into our homes without ever really knowing where they’ll end up—or how much damage they’ll do when they get there. In fact, if you could peek inside your body you’d find fire-retardant chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, plastic particles, and dozens of other residues of modern life.
The time has come to fight back! Our 12 simple steps will help you detoxify everything from your food to your feet, from your bedroom to your breasts. Purifying your life won’t happen overnight, despite what those detox foot-pad makers promise on late-night television. (PS: They don’t work!) But if you begin today you’ll definitely be a little healthier by the time you get into bed. Here’s how to get started:
1. Protect against pesticides
Washing fruit and veggies is a must-do every time you bring them home. Why? An overload of pesticides in air, food, or water may set the stage for Parkinson’s disease, breast cancer, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease decades down the road, according to research. Apparently the chemicals in pesticides—which find a home on the surface of produce—can damage the energy-producing parts of brain cells. There’s also a pesticide-and-arthritis link. Protect your brain and body by washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially if you aren’t eating organic. (You don’t need to use fancy detergent; plain water should do the trick.)
Also watch out for pesticides in your own yard and garden, because anything you spray outside will likely end up in your home. Defend your greenery, instead, with insects (such as ladybugs) or a natural, safe repellent like neem oil (1 quart, $22.50).
2. It’s curtains for plastic
You know that strong odor emanating from some new plastic shower curtains and mattress covers? Blame the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used to manufacture them—which releases toxic chemicals that can make you dizzy and drowsy with just a few deep whiffs. Retailers like Target sell curtains made with materials like cotton, polyester, or hemp, which are safer to use and easier to clean.
Next page: Look out for lead
Comments (64)
Great article…very good particular ways to take action in “How To Detox Your Body”. I personally feel if one would at least start at some level it would make a difference.
Healing issues of the spiritual heart with energy medicine. http://entitledblessings.blogspot.com
Yes. Nice commercial.
I have used shop bought skin care for years {paied alot of money at times]. Now I use good old sunlight soap to cleanes, and “Edgar Cayce’s” resipe for skin lotion of peanut oil, olive oil, lanolin oil and rose water. My skin has never looked better. For a detox and to get my lymp system working I use castar oil rubbing up from my feet. Then I have a glass of water with lemon in it and put my feet up for an hour, them wash off.
What is the recipe for the skin lotion?
I would love the recipe for the skin lotion. My skin is very dry and I’m having a lot of problems. I have been using coconut cooking oil to saturate my body. My skin drinks the oil in.
Thanks
Linda
I would like the recipe of the skin lotion of peanut oil,olive oil,lanolin oil,and rose water
I would like the recipe too. Please if its as good as you said, i want to try it. Thanks
I want the skin lotion recipe
“washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially if you aren’t eating organic. (You don’t need to use fancy detergent; plain water should do the trick.)”
This is wrong. Many pesticides are oil based, so water does nothing to remove them. In addition, apples are waxed for the most part if they are not organic. How can you say merely rinsing them will remove the fungicides etc, that is covered by the wax? This is misinformation and should be removed immediately.
“lead, a dangerous metalliclook-alike” -What does this mean? Both calcium and lead are minerals. Lead is a metal. Your statement is gibberish.
“According to the American Liver Foundation, you shouldn’t take more than 3 grams of acetaminophen a day—the equivalent of six extra-strength pills—for more than a few days in a row. Take as small a dose as you need to feel better.”-This is great information.
As is this: “That sweet-smelling air freshener? It may be polluting your home with chemicals that can irritate your eyes and lead to headaches and nausea. Aerosol cleaners are equally guilty.”
Your folksy way of writing is accessible, please just have your facts straight. It’s especially important to wash fruits and veges for kids as they are getting so much more for their body weight.
Thanks, Andie
whoa Andie, I was on board, until you agreed with the Acetaminophen bit…3 grams? Tylenol, aka Acetaminophen kills 100,000 people annually, most of those taking much lower doses…imo, there is NO SAFE AMOUNT of Acetaminophen…or any valid reason for EVER taking ANY, period.
Actually Robert, acetaminophen is probably more safe than any other over the counter med. And the max. daily limit is actually 4 grams. People who take over that amount daily or who drink alcohol, or have liver disease should avoid it. And it works great. Don’t preach fear.
Re: Washing Veggies & Fruits. They said wash, they did not say rinse with water. I used to buy the store bought packaged Vegetable washes. Now I use a spray bottle of a deluted vinager. Cheap & works well. Cuts the oil base pestacides.
Some good points covered in this Detoxing your Body article. I think it is important to be aware of your drinking water sources. The amount of toxic chemicals in tap water and in many bottled waters is alarming and potentially hazardous to health. I recently read an informative article on The Quality of Our Drinking Water that I found very helpful.
Also, a mild cleanse can be helpful for removing toxins from the liver, kidneys, colon and blood. One that I have used with good results is called Perfect Cleanse by
Garden of Life. It is mild enough to keep up my normal daily routine, yet strong enough to be effective.
I would love to know how you measure how many toxins are in your body? is there a blood test for toxin levels? I’m not sure how you can claim to detox things we have no way of measuring, except high levels of lead.
My doctor gave me an overdose of minerals 2 weeks ago.
I’ve had sharp pains in head, & tingling,heavy legs.
Tingling is still with me, especially when I eat same things I had on that day. Even my Thyroid medication.
Was using Daily Multi-Cleanse. Switched to Quercetin 300, and take Metamucil
You can further protect yourself ala tip #4. Don’t use tampons, use reusable flannel menstrual pad or a silicon-based menstrual cup called the Diva Cup or the Moon Cup. Both are safe, comfortable, sustainable and easy to use.
the best way to stay away from toxins is to leave the city move high up into the mountains and collect nuts. Only drink from streams 9,000 feet above sea level. Try not to eat too many rabbits to avoid myxamatosis.
wtg Chaz, high five! Would love to join ya there…I’m in a wheelchair, and for now stuck in a city, but I DO eat wild foods as much as possible, no processed foods…this magazine advocates using the vending machine….as opposed to a whole bag o chips! How about just bringing your own home made trail mix of nuts and unsweetened superfruits?
I think the article is Mis-named. it should be “how to prevent toxins entering your life”.
De-Toxing is typically a process for removing toxins already IN your system.
None-the-less the information is still important for people living a Western Lifestyle in USA, UK England and some other countries.
I would also like to have seen reference to Breathing to de-tox, Detoxing the mind of poisonous thought patterns, detoxing our relationships through love and forgiveness.
Kind regards
MArk
I also feel this is mis-named, it should be something like How to Detox Your “female” Body
In regards to #11. There is plenty of safe fish and Alaskan salmon is shown to have nearly undetectable levels of mercury. Also tuna can be eaten every day if you source the right king of tuna. Check out http://www.vitalchoice.com they show mercury charts and offer low-mercury tuna. This should be a staple of our diets…not beef.
Unfortunately people are under the myth that “organic” means no pesticides. Fact the corporate organic growing machine now uses sprays that are applied 5-7 times during the growth cycle which is polluting the water and killing fish. Always rinse produce, organic or not.
Sad, but true Anthony. I try to get my organic food locally grown from small farms that use REAL organic processes, re-building the soil with fulvic acid, getting eggs and such from Grass Finished animals, (Goats Milk too), getting to personally know your grower and methods they use, or grow your own using these methods can keep you safe..Argentina, here I come!
Good article on “How to Detox Your Body”, but :- MARK IS SAYING RIGHT.
I think the article is Mis-named. it should be “how to prevent toxins entering your life”.
De-Toxing is typically a process for removing toxins already IN your system.
None-the-less the information is still important for people living a Western Lifestyle in USA, UK England and some other countries.
I would also like to have seen reference to Breathing to de-tox, Detoxing the mind of poisonous thought patterns, detoxing our relationships through love and forgiveness.
For Related health issues :- http://www.easy16.com
good points covered in this Detoxing your Body article
the best way to stay away from toxins is to leave the city move high up into the mountains and collect nuts
is there a blood test for toxin levels? I’m not sure how you can claim to detox things we have no way of measuring, except high levels of lead.I think it is important to be aware of your drinking water sources. The amount of toxic chemicals in tap water and in many bottled waters is alarming and potentially hazardous to health.
use reusable flannel menstrual pad or a silicon-based menstrual cup called the Diva Cup or the Moon Cup. Both are safe, comfortable, sustainable and easy to use.
Thanks for an informative post for anyone wanting to learn more about body detoxification.
http://newlifepatientcareservices.blogspot.com/ is my site just give a refral
I would like to know how much toxins are in soap
“Soap yourself silly”? Does anyone have any idea how many toxins soaps contain? Alot!!!!!!!!!
hi there
how can i detoxic my body, cause i thing my body is full of unwanted chemical.
Thanks for the informative article. Many good comments as well.
Thanks to the industrialization of our modern world, and commercial greed we all have to suffer the consequences.
MD
The best way to detox yourself is drinking a lot of water at least 2 litres per day
taking green tea is also the best way to detox
The fastest and quickest way to detox the body is to regularly take sauna and/or turkish baths, to drink lots of water, to do regular exercise, and to eat fiber to clean the digestive apparatus.
Thank you for the post! I also like these easy and natural ways to detox your body:
http://going-well.com/2009/07/14/easy-ways-to-detox-your-body-natural-detoxification/
Do a Lakota Sioux Vision Quest In A Sweat Lodge!
Thank you for this post. It is a very informative article. Few of us realize exactly how full of toxins our environment is and how badly that impacts on our health and how badly toxins affect your metabolism. A healthy organic diet goes a long way to avoiding toxins. As for me, I still have a problem with the headache tablets. I must admit, I’ve never thought of them in this light. I think I am going to explore some other strategies like yoga now.
I love the article, the information or teachings are well noted, thank you.
Our world is so polluted you can’t escape it. Everything has chemicals including organics. Our natural plants have even been cross pollinated with genetically modified plants (accidentally of course. All you can do is try to eat the best foods and take some vitamins. Also, stop worrying so much, you are not going to escape this life alive. Odds are it’s going to be cancer or a heart attack?
holistic lies imo
Do you have evidence for your sweeping statement, or is this just a talking point you got from Herr Glenn Beck?
One other important thing is to avoid ingesting toxic artificial fluorides. The National Research Council Report in Fluoride in Drinking Water, 2006 proved that drinking 1 ppm fluoridated water for only 2 years accumulates 2,500 ppm fluoride in bone that is ireversible and continues to increase during one’s lifetime. Some people in fluoridated cities reach 12,000 ppm in bone, weakening bones and delaying healing of breaks. We have an epidemic of hip fractures in the elderly, where 1/3 perish with bed-ridden pneumonia, waiting for their broken bones to heal. The FDA never approved ingestion of artificial fluorides but unknown factors make vested interests at the dental division of the CDC continue to enforce this practice. It is being expanded into San Jose and San Diego next year even though citizens voted against this 3 separate times.
Cancer per capita death rates are higher in fluoridated cities (Yiamouyiannis, Fluoride the Aging Factor, 1993)and our 4 largest studies prove fluoride in the blood does not decrease teeth cavities. The billions we waste nationwide could better be used by giving it to County Medical Services and health clinics for the un-insured. Many San Diego dentists banned all fluorides from their practices many years ago. Canada after learning the truth ordered all chemists to stop injecting fluosilicic acid hazardous waste fluoride into water and cavities have not risen after the halt. The U.S is the last to catch on as our debt increases endlessly with nonsense like this.
Dr. Richard Sauerheber
Switch to toothpaste with no fluoride in it. Fluoride is a dangerous toxin that is being used to poison the American people. Check it out for yourself.
I gave up on toothpaste due to the fluoride. I brush and floss with baking soda and rinse with a spray of Listerine. My hygienist has remarked on the improvement of my teeth and gums.
One of the most important things you can do to fight toxins in your body is to take milk thistle. Milk thistle promotes healthy liver funtion. Your liver is a filter for your blood. If your liver is healthy not only will you be healthier, but your body will be able to burn more stored fat at a faster rate. Milk thistle can be found in the vitamin section. It is all natural.
There are other foods sthat help our bodies to detoxify and heal: such as green tes for chemical protectiob, Cruciferous vegetables for energizing and cleansing the liver; Lemons, garlic, oregano and watercress to aid in colon cleansing and anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti parasitic activities.
You say it is important to drink lots of water everyday for good health. I live in Houston Tx and fear for my life everyday drinking tap water. What is safe water and how do you get it?
You can purchase a very high quality water filter for your home from Aquasana.com . I use one on my tap and one on my shower head, and I am very pleased with them.
One thing I’m surprised was omitted from this article: don’t use plastic in the microwave!
The heat from food and steam in the microwave melts small amounts of plastic — hard containers as well as plastic wrap — and it gets into the food. Some chemicals in the plastic are carcinogens. Use microwave-safe cookware, like glass plates and bowls.
“Apparently the chemicals in pesticides—which find a home on the surface of produce—can damage the energy-producing parts of brain cells. There’s also a pesticide-and-arthritis link.”
apparently? apparently?
can you back this up with hard science – or is this just a bunch of “stuff” thrown together to meet a deadline?
but that’s right – it’s “health” not “valid medical information” – so you’re free to report anecdotal findings / whatever the herbalist down the street mentioned / etc.
general tip – if you want to de-tox – I’ve heard paying someone $500 to shoot water up your rear works great.
oh – and vaccines almost certainly cause AIDS – oh wait – that’s autism. my bad.
What research is this article based on? As far as my reading, consumption of pesticides has -no- link to any of the issues you mentioned except for a few out-of-date studies that focused on pesticides that aren’t even available in the developed world anymore. Please site your statements, and your articles. Honestly, I have no idea if I can trust you if your research is this questionable.
I just started a paracleanse from your company and I am throwing up when I take the capsules. Someone said it is because I am full of “toxins” .What do I do now?
Thank you
I have been reading this article and finding it very informative.
I was wondering if you could advise me as to what I can to to do a liver detox. Over the past three months I have been experiencing extreme bloating and I don’t know why. Even drinking water has become a problem. Someone suggested that I do a liver detox but I don’t know where to begin and not sure if my liver is the problem, I do have intestinal problems…ulcer.
Thanks in advance
Janet McCall
okay, I have somewhat of a problem with this article. This stuff is completely obvious to avoid! I thought I was going to find some good methods to detoxify my body that’s already filled with these toxins. Thanks anyway for the effort – I’ll keep looking!
Unfortunately, one of the worst sources of toxins of all kinds is in tapwater. Even bottled water of the highest quality cannot remove most chemicals. It’s much better, but still not good enough.
Reverse osmosis is the purest water you can get short of a research lab. Since it is customary in Mexico, where I live for people to drink only bottled water (tapwater is ONLY for washing), it was easy for Pepsi Cola to start a new water business, Santorini, and this water is processed through reverse osmosis. That removes all chemicals – everything, and is the most delicious water you can get. Santorini has virually taken over the drinking water market here. It is so obviously superior.
If you think your tapwater is just fine, take the lid off the tank of one of your toilets. What IS that goo? It is NOT from human wastes, because they go in the other direction. The goo is from tapwater alone.
Another test. Buy a bottle of water processed by reverse osmosis and another which is for drinking, but not through R.O. Then make 3 trays of ice cubes, one from each bottle and the third from tapwater. When frozen, look at them. The R.O. gives crystal clear cubes. The other bottled water gives somewhat cloudy cubes, and tapwater yields WHITE cubes. Nuff said?
The U.S. is not set up to allow street vending trucks to pass by with those 5-gallon jugs of drinking water. Every kitchen in Mexico has a rocker that holds one, usually two, of these bottles. The driver brings in your bottles and plunks them right into the rocker for you. All water for consumption is taken from them, never the tap. It would be hard for the U.S. to have something like this, though; it would involve allowing street vendors, for starters. Those jugs are heavy; it’s impractical to sell them in grocery stores.
I’ll say the sooth here: In 20 years, if Mexican and U.S. habits don’t change, the cancer rate in Mexico will drop far below that of the U.S. Even distilled water has fewer chemical than standard bottled waters. You get more toxins from water than from any other source. It’s worth trying to find a way to use R.O. water consistently.
And it makes coffee so good you can smell it down the street. Dollars to donuts it’s what Starbucks uses.
Sounds good & easy instead of always complicated sayings!
Wow! thank you…I didnt know about the shower curtains.
sellnothingebay.notlong.com
Nice article!It is really important that we minimize toxin exposures as much as possible.
Check out also this site – it gives you more ideas about toxins and stuff like that! http//:www.redjievillar.com
Interesting thread, but highlights fact that there is no one size fits all solution to detox or exposures. All of us have quirky things about our genome abbreviated SNPs that make us unique and tolerate or respond adversely to environmental or endogenous substances. Milk thistle hurts my liver, found out I have SNP that explained it. So, its not a good detox for me. Many people with COMY SNP have a hard time clearing their own catecholamines-like dopamine and adrenaline, they suffer from anxiety that those of us who don’t have the SNP don’t have. The days of medicine for the masses will eventually be over, and we will think of our own genome(game plan) and its interaction with the environment as unique. This is why identical twins don’t really have the same fate. (Thoughts, feelings, every morsel of food we eat, climate, everything about our environment talks to our genes. They really aren’t these dormant things that we just get from our parents and pass to our offspring. Genes are always interacting with our environment expressing health or disease.
Reading the comments was more intersting than the article itself! Thanks all for sharing! The water comment about R.O.was one that I liked; but why bath in toxic water? Skin absorbs toxins.
And I liked the “Vital Choice” link.
WHY hasn’t there been any extensive studies done on the effect of plastic on the human body. We use it some forum everyday of our life. WHAT are they afraid of…the fact that it causes cancer???
I think it’s OK to not eat organic and still have a healthy digestion system. Detox diets are mostly about getting rid of processed, salt-filled foods with ingredients you can’t even pronounce. There are plenty of detox recipes on the web – I offer a lot on my blog http://www.hecticlifehealthygirl.com brought to you by Kaeng Raeng (http://www.kaengraeng.com)
I have leanrt a lot from this article ‘Detox Your Body’will like to know if boiling of tab water can improve or remove the contents of toxins also is it safe to use laxetives for tommy cleansing as a means of body detoxing.
don’t drink too much green tea. it’s not good for your liver because it’s hard to processed. my mom told me, she’s a doctor.