Have you heard of the concept of “body burden”? Body burden is the total toxic load your body is carrying at any given moment. The higher the burden, the higher the potential for health problems.
This total varies for each of us, but I know I reached my tipping point in the early 90s when I became extremely chemically sensitive (the 15 courses of antibiotics in 1991 probably started it, in addition to all the smog in L.A.).
As part of my healing process, I began to embrace a toxin-free way of living. It’s still a huge part of my life and one of the first things I address with my patients. But honestly, another big reason I live as toxin-free as possible is for the health of this beautiful yet polluted planet, and all of her inhabitants.
So what are some of these chemical toxins I’m talking about?
You know… pesticides, herbicides, mercury, lead, PCBs, BPA in plastics and cans, flame retardants, formaldehyde (new car smell, anyone?), solvents, just to name a few.
You know, the stuff of modern-day living.
All of these toxins we’re exposed to on a daily basis add up and the tipping point into illness is different for everybody, but it’s definitely one of the triggers to chronic illness and autoimmune disease, asthma, autism, headaches, fatigue, weight gain, disruption of the endocrine system, cancer, infertility, you name it.
But don’t freak out. Yes, we’re exposed to a lot, but there is also A LOT that you can do for yourself!
You start with what you can easily control: what you put into and onto your body, and what you use in your home.
Here are some basics. I’ll go deeper in upcoming newsletters.
1. Eat Organic.
I realize that the additional cost can be a deterrent so if you have to pick and choose, it’s most important to spend your pennies on organic animal products because you do not need the additional hormones (added in by conventional farmers) in your body! These wreak total havoc with our bodies.
Also, check out the Environmental Working Group’s list of the “Dirty Dozen” . This great resource lists the 12 vegetables and fruits with the highest amounts of harmful pesticide residues, so you can choose to spend more for the organic versions of them (https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty_dozen_list.php ). Another good rule of thumb is that most foods with an inedible peel (think avocados, melons, etc.) are usually OK conventionally grown.
2. Drink Filtered Water.
Tap water is fine, but just filter it. You can get as fancy or as low-tech as you want. I’m currently using a Britta pitcher as I can’t attach my (somewhat better) countertop filter in my new home, and it works great.
And use a refillable bottle, for crying out loud. (I’ll talk about the hazards of plastic in another post). I use a 16 ounce stainless steel one – it’s lighter than those nifty glass ones.
3. Use “Green” Personal Care Products
There are much healthier options for deodorants, lotions, shampoos, makeup, body washes, perfumes, etc.
Yes, they’re maybe a bit more, but isn’t your health worth it?
4. Use “Green” Cleaning Products
Same as above. Replace your laundry detergents, dish soaps, dishwasher pods, floor, window, and bathroom cleansers… all of it. They all have healthier alternatives available.
So that’s where to start. Know that every little bit counts toward reducing the toxic load in your body, that body burden, and keeps you healthier! And keeps the Earth healthier too.
To lightening the load,
Colleen
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