Is your body struggling to get rid of all the chemicals it’s exposed to?

Toxin overload is slowly becoming more evident as a problem in the modern world. Our bodies are exposed to a lot more than they were thousands of years ago.

Top toxins include:

• Cosmetics/fragranced products
• Cleaning products
• Indoor air pollution
• Foods in plastic
• Pesticides

With the increased number of potential pollutants our bodies can struggle to detox these toxins, especially if we are struggling with illness or stress at the same time.

Detoxification is a normal process of the body but sometimes an excess of toxins can cause a build up in the body causing fatigue, bloating, constipation and headaches. It can also depend on genetics, some people have a lower threshold for toxic load.

There are things you can do to reduce your toxic load:

• Buy organic, when you can. This can get expensive but if you can afford any then check out the dirty dozen and try to replace some of these with organic alternatives
• Reduce perfume use and fragranced products
• Switch to make-up and skin care that is paraben, pthlates, triclosan and propylene glycol free – There is a dirty dozen for cosmetics too
• Open your windows for 10 minutes everyday to allow fresh air to circulate.
• Use the least toxic cleaning products you can find/afford. Remember that diluted vinegar or soapy water is perfect for most cleaning tasks
• Store food and drinks in glass when you can and don’t heat food in plastic

Remember this doesn’t all need to be done at once, gradually make changes as you finish things.

The gut plays an important role in priming the body to be in the best condition to detoxify. So supporting the gut, making sure you have regular, daily bowel movements will help.

• Try to consume at least 30 different plant foods weekly – this includes herbs, spices, beans and pulses, fruit and vegetables
• Cut back on sugar, emulsifiers, processed foods and artificial sweeteners, all alter gut function
• Eat plenty of fibre to protect the gut lining, promote production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (essential for immune system functioning) and increase the good bacteria
• Include fermented foods in your diet, to boost SCFAs
• Eat foods high in omega-3, such as oily fish, these help to reduce inflammation and promote microbe diversity

Start small, make small changes as you run out of things. You don’t need to change everything at once.

Where do you think you can make a change?

Please note: I am not able to offer individualised advice, please always speak to a professional before starting or stopping medication/supplements.