In today’s world, we are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals and pollutants found in industry, agriculture, and household products. Among these chemicals are flame retardants, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and other everyday pollutants that have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, and other developmental issues.
Common Chemicals in Everyday Life
Here are some of the more common chemicals you may encounter in your daily life:
- Phthalates, found in plastics
- Organophosphate (OP) pesticides
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) flame retardants, found in furniture, electronics, and household dust
- Combustion-related air pollutants
- Lead
- Mercury
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
To protect our health against this constant barrage of harmful substances, we need strategies to safely remove toxins and heavy metals from our bodies and prevent their accumulation.
Improving Natural Detoxification Functions
Our bodies do have cells and organs that specialize in removing toxins. However, they may not be able to handle the toxic load we face today. The liver, kidneys, skin, immune system, lungs, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract all work to eliminate toxins, but many toxins can still remain lodged in the body. Detoxification is a starting point in the treatment of numerous chronic illnesses, including cancer, Lyme disease, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and many others.
Botanicals, such as modified citrus pectin (MCP) and sodium alginates, are gentle agents that support the body’s ability to remove toxic metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. These natural ingredients have been clinically shown to safely remove toxic metals without affecting essential minerals.
Supporting Detox Organs with Additional Botanicals and Nutrients
For deeper detoxification, several other botanicals and nutrients can support the liver, kidneys, skin, and other detox organs. These ingredients help enhance the body’s natural detox mechanisms, such as methylation, and encourage antioxidant activity to neutralize free radicals generated by toxic body burden. Supportive ingredients include:
- Milk thistle seed extract
- Dandelion leaf
- Cilantro leaf
- Astragalus root
- Goldenrod
- Chinese salvia
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- L-Methionine
- Calcium D-glucarate
An organic diet focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, green vegetables, and plenty of filtered water and herbal teas provides critical detox support and supplies important phytonutrients to protect the body’s vital systems.
Exercise, Saunas, and Other Therapies
Regular exercise is another essential aspect of detoxification that is often overlooked. A daily 20-minute walk can do wonders for overall health and is critical during detox to prevent toxins from getting stuck in transit.
Additionally, therapies that help clear the body’s detox channels and support overall health can be extremely helpful. Infrared saunas or regular saunas encourage sweating, an important detox pathway. Acupuncture supports the liver and other detox organs. Lymphatic massage can increase blood flow and help move lymphatic fluids, essential when toxic burden, chronic inflammation, or illness cause sluggish lymphatic drainage.
Environmental toxicity is a pressing issue, demanding an immediate solution. While regulatory measures and consumer protections are crucial, it’s also important to regularly support the body’s ability to eliminate toxins safely and naturally. By implementing these natural strategies and treatments, you can improve your body’s detoxification functions and better protect your overall health.