"Detox" is a word that gets thrown around these days with abandon. We are swimming in an environment laden with tens of thousands of untested and - in many cases - unregulated chemicals. And while your body has some really amazing mechanisms to process and eliminate the stuff that could harm you, in many cases, not only are we exposed to more chemicals than we evolved to deal with, we also tend to live lifestyles that impair our natural mechanisms to clear them. "Toxic burden" can result in conditions and symptoms ranging from eczema to headaches to chronic fatigue to behavioural or developmental concerns in kids. Children in particular are vulnerable to the impacts of toxin exposure due to their unique and immature biology and behaviour.
So what does "detox" mean? My goal with a detox is to minimize sources of chemicals in order to reduce what you're asking of your body, and to support the processes that it already has in place. Ideally, these strategies should be ongoing, and not necessarily only during an occasional "detox". Everyone in the family can participate in a gentle plan to promote detoxification and elimination, and spring is a great time to start! A comprehensive detox strategy includes four parts: reduction, diet, herbs and lifestyle. Let's start with the first part! Reduction Imagine trying to clean out your garage while someone was dumping more clutter in through the back. It's not helpful to be putting more junk in while you're trying to clear it out! A household and lifestyle audit can help identify sources of chemicals. 1. Food: The Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” are excellent resources to support you in choosing what produce to buy organic. Ideally animal products should be organic, since many harmful chemicals bioaccumulate in higher amounts in animals than in produce. Eating more of a plant-based diet is also helpful for detox (more to come) and cheaper, making the more expensive organic selections easier to buy! Frequently eaten foods - especially for picky kids - should be prioritized as well. And make sure you check your local fish advisories! 2. Personal care products: Many products such as lotions, creams and soaps contain chemicals which are known to be problematic in humans. The EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic Database offers an accessible and user-friendly resource (mobile-friendly!) to rate your favourite products and select healthier options. The easiest offending ingredient to spot? Fragrance! 3. Cleaning: Household cleaning should be done with homemade cleaners or products identified as being of low toxic load. Dust should be removed via vacuum or wet-mop, and hands washed frequently (especially children’s) with soap and water (no "anti-microbial" products required!). Shoes should be removed when entering the home, and any solvents or chemicals used for occupation or hobbies (and clothes worn while using them) should be kept out of the home. 4. Household objects: Plastic toys and other items should be avoided, since plastics are a significant source of concerning chemicals - for us, and the rest of the planet! A simple strategy is to slowly start replacing all your plastic food containers and bottles with glass, Pyrex or stainless steel (done all at once, this can be pricey, but slowly over time, plastic can be squeezed out). Indoor spaces should be ventilated adequately and frequently (aka open up the windows and let the sunshine in!). Clothing (especially children’s) can be purchased second-hand to reduce exposure to flame-retardants - there are many terrific second-hand stores with a great selection at very affordable prices! 5. Transit and chores: Families can be encouraged to use cars less, and instead walk, bicycle or use public transit. This not only encourages physical activity (which promotes detoxification and elimination), but reduces emissions. Elbow grease should be encouraged, reducing the use of motor-powered mowers and blowers. On days identified as hiving high levels of particulate matter, it is advised to reduce outdoor activity during peak traffic hours. Over the next few weeks, we'll explore the other elements of promoting optimal detoxification ... and if you just can't wait to learn more, pop by and see me or drop me a line!
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