Fiber - A Supernutrient

We all know we’re supposed to eat a diet rich in fiber.  Despite this basic knowledge, many people are confused by what fiber is and how to get it.  And because a large percentage of the nation has or is cutting back on carbohydrates, they’re also cutting back on fiber.  As fiber helps rid the body of toxins, among other important functions, this is definitely a health concern.

Wheat bran - high in fiber. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What Is Fiber?

Dietary fiber is essentially a non-digestible carbohydrate; your body cannot break it down and digest it.  Dietary fiber is divided into two main categories: soluble or insoluble. 

Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water and therefore moves through the bowel without any type of breakdown.  Due to this, it promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk.  The result is regular stools and a constant removal of build-up in the intestines. 

Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not. Insoluble fiber passes through our intestines largely intact.  It helps lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels, and also carries toxins out of your body.

So how much soluble and insoluble fiber should you be taking?

Despite the fact that the average American's daily intake of fiber is about 5 to 14 grams per day, adult women should consume 25 grams of fiber a day and men should consume 38 grams a day.

Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts and many vegetables are good sources of insoluble fiber, while oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium are a good source of soluble fiber.

Great Sources of Fiber and How to Get Enough

Beans. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In order to make sure you’re getting enough fiber, it’s important to understand what foods to get it from.  Great sources of fiber include:

* Green leafy vegetables
* Whole grains
* Seeds & Nuts
* Dried beans and peas
* Fruits
* Vegetables
* Psyllium husk

¼ cup of almonds, for example, contains 2.4 grams of fiber and a medium apple contains 4 grams.  So one small snack of almonds and an apple contains about 1/4 of a woman’s daily fiber requirements.  To get a meal that packs a real fiber punch, add beans.  A cup of baked beans contains 16 grams of fiber; that’s more than half of your daily requirement!  And whole grains like buckwheat, bran, bulgur and oats contain a significant amount of fiber.  Leafy greens are good too; a cup of cooked spinach has 7 grams of fiber. 

To make sure you’re consuming your daily fiber requirement, make sure you have at least one serving of whole grains, beans and healthy snacks like raw fruits and veggies and nuts.  (All of these whole foods also have many other healthy nutrients in them as well.) A little fiber with each snack and meal should be enough to keep your body running optimally, reduce your toxic load, and stay healthy.

Are High End Filter-Free Air Purifiers Really a Better Deal?

Whether you watch television, read magazines, or use the internet, there is a good chance that you have seen advertisements for air purifiers that do not require the use of replacement air filters.  These advertisements often claim that you can save a considerable amount of money overtime with the purchase of a filter-free high end air purifier.  Although this is true in many cases, many consumers are left wondering if air purifiers that do not need replacements are really a good deal.

Samsung Air Purifier (Photo credit: samsungtomorrow)

When it comes to determining if filter-free air purifiers are really a good deal, there are a number of important points that you will want to take into consideration. These points, a few of which are touched on below, can help you decide what type of high end air purifier you should purchase for your home.

One point that you will want to take into consideration is your use.  Are you looking to temporarily clean the air, like if you have family staying at your home for about a week or two?  If one of those family members is a smoker or if a family pet will be coming too, you may not need to invest in a high end filter-free air purifier.  While filter-free air purifiers do work, they are costly.  With that being said, their costs do pay off over time with regular use, since you do not have to purchase potentially costly replacement filters.  However, if you do not plan on using a filter-free air purifier on a daily basis, the extra costs may not be worth it to you.

When looking to purchase a high end filter-free air purifier, how much you are willing to spend upfront should also be taken into consideration.  As previously stated, air purifiers that do not need replacement filters, especially those that are considered high end systems, do cost more money.  Depending on the brand and where you make your purchase from, you could easily spend thousands of dollars on a high end filter-free air purifier.  As previously stated, you can see a return on your investment in a few years, but it is important that you first have the money to spend.  If not, you should still examine high end air purifiers, as they are known for their strength, durability, better and long lasting results, but those with filters tend to be more affordable.

Another important point to take into consideration when looking to buy a high end filter-free air purifier for the home is quality.  Since filter-free air purifiers make the most out of new technology and they are known for their results, many assume that they are all considered high end products.  This isn’t necessarily true anymore due to knockoffs.  Many companies have seen how well filter-free air purifiers have sold, so they try to make their own.  Unfortunately, many do not use quality materials or the same technology.  That is why you will want to make sure that you purchase a true high end filter-free air purifier.  One great way to do this is by using the internet to your advantage.

The AHAM-certified seal lists a rating for tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust removal, and a rating for room size. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When looking to research high end filter-free air purifiers, if you already have a make and model in mind, perform your search with that information.  If not, you should use search phrases like “air purifiers with no filters,” “high end filter-free purifiers,” or “best filter less air purifiers.”  The results that you will find may be links to websites were air purifiers are being reviewed or sold.  Wherever your internet search takes you to, be sure to read reviews online and examine ratings.  This will help to ensure that you spend your money wisely.

Finally, the space that you need to clean should be examined.  Are you looking to clean the air in one or two rooms or your whole house?  It is also important to examine the CADR.  This is the Clean Air Delivery Rate.  This is the rate in which an air purifier can clean the air inside your home.  It is best if you choose a high end air purifier with a higher CADR, especially if you are looking to filter the air in a large space, or more than one room. (A couple of good examples are below.)


Filter-Free Air Purifiers:
   

Get Rid of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) In Your Home

You may have heard about VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds.  They’re essentially dangerous gases which are emitted from a variety of solids and liquids.  This article explores what VOCs can do to your health, where to find them, and how to avoid them.

VOCs and Your Health

Sources of volatile organic compounds. Source: http://www.epa.gov/air/emissions/voc.htm (Photo credit: Wikipedia)According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), VOCs can cause:

* Eye, nose, and throat irritation
* Headaches
* Loss of coordination
* Nausea
* Damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system
* Respiratory distress
* Cancer

Yes, VOCs cause a tremendous number of health issues and unfortunately, they aren’t just emitted when you’re exposed to them.  They can continue to emit toxic gasses for decades.  For example, paint is one item that emits VOCs and painted walls continue to emit these gasses for many years after the paint has first been applied.

Where Do VOCs Come From?

You might be surprised to find that a large number of items that emit VOCs are in your home already.  Common household VOC emitters include:

* Paints
* Paint strippers
* Solvents
* Wood preservatives
* Aerosol sprays
* Cleansers and disinfectants
* Moth repellents
* Air fresheners
* Petroleum fuels
* Hydraulic fluids
* Hobby supplies
* Dry-cleaned clothing
* Mattresses
* Varnished furniture
* Shower curtains
* The list goes on....

VOCs are the main contributor to indoor air pollution.  In fact, the EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology found the most common organic pollutants are two to five times higher inside homes than outside.  The good news is that it’s fairly easy to avoid adding more VOCs into your home.  Use natural air fresheners like essential oils, or natural candles, rather than spray air fresheners.  And when painting or staining, use VOC-free or low VOC paint, and store fuels, adhesives and other VOC emitters outside in a well-ventilated area. (More helpful tips on this can be found here: http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html)

VOC emissions are one of the most dangerous contaminants inside your home.  They can cause serious health concerns and when thrown away, leech into our ground water and soil.  Start protecting yourself and your environment by avoiding all VOC-emitting products.  It’s the healthy and green way to go.

For a helpful and FREE checklist for identifying and reducing or eliminating toxins in your home, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html.

Exploring Common Detox Methods

When it comes to detoxing there are as many ways to detox as there are reasons to. It can be confusing trying to figure out which one is right for you. Before you make a decision, decide what you want to accomplish with a detox plan. Also consider your lifestyle and how you might fit a detox program into your life for a few days. Finally, make sure the program is safe and reputable.

Once you know what you’re looking for then you can begin comparing methods. The following are the most common detox methods.

Image via Wikipedia#1 Juicing

A juice detox plan generally requires you to drink juice and only juice for several days to a week. Some juicing detox plans actually let you gradually ease into the plan and ease your way out. Juicing is a fairly easy way to detox. You are able to consume calories which is better than a starvation detox diet. And all of those organic vegetables and fruits are great for your body. You’ll be consuming a vast amount of fiber and nutrients.

#2 Tea

There are several tea type cleanses or detox diets. They essentially require you to drink an herbal or laxative tea for several days. The challenge to this diet is the fact that you don’t get to eat anything. You just drink a lot of tea. People tend to lose weight on a diet like this. However, they also tend to gain it back once they quit the diet. They do, however, often work to flush out your kidneys, liver, colon and cleansing organs.

#3 Elimination diets

Elimination diets like a Candida diet, a gluten free diet or a sugar free diet are all great for helping you regain your health. They tend to last a few weeks to several months. This means you need to be committed to the diet. However, once you cleanse your system of the offending food(s) you will be much healthier. These types of deist are best for those who are struggling with poor dietary habits. Or if you suspect you have a food sensitivity or allergy.

#4 Traditional methods

Image via WikipediaTraditionally people detoxed by sweating. Saunas are a wonderful way to detox. You can enjoy a traditional steam sauna. You might also take a look at infrared saunas. Massage helps move the toxins from the muscles too.

Another traditional method to detox is to take a salt bath. Epsom salts cost just a few dollars at your supermarket. You can find them in the first aid section. Pour a cup, or two, of Epsom salts into a hot bath. Add essential oils to the bath to add an aroma therapy element to the bath. Bathe for thirty to sixty minutes. While bathing use a loofa or scrub to brush dead skin cells and toxins from your skin. Rinse off.

There are many detox methods to consider. Some are easy, like taking a sauna. Others are a bit more challenging. You might consider combing some methods to receive maximum benefit. Always take care to detox slowly and to make sure you’re healthy enough for a detox plan.

Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure - The Importance of Superfoods

It seems like everywhere you look, there’s a new pill or medicine that will ‘instantly cure’ your sickness, disease or health issue. And while taking a pill to cure what ails you might seem convenient and simple, maybe it’s really time to sit down and take a good, long look at what you’re feeding your body, or as it might be, not feeding your body. Are you truly giving your body the nutrients it needs to take care of itself? Most of us find when we take a look at what we’ve been eating that the choices we’ve been making in the name of convenience, simplicity, or saving time have actually been detrimental to our overall health – body, mind and spirit.

Image via WikipediaObviously we focus a lot on toxins here, and how to reduce them in our bodies and environment. Although there are many ways to do this, one of the most important is through our diet, as this is one of the main ways that toxins enter our body. And I'm not just talking about prescription drugs, or synthetic chemicals - many of the "foods" we consume on a daily basis can actually have a toxic effect upon our bodies, even though they aren't technically classified as poisonous (trans-fatty acids (aka trans fats) are a good example of this).

Our modern day diet largely consists of excessive consumption of starch, sugar, fried and fatty foods - all of which can have a very toxic effect within our bodily systems. As a result, diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s and some cancers are becoming more and more common.

Cover of SuperfoodsHealthy foods and good nutrition can not only help keep you fit, but treat disease as well. You may not even have to go to a health food store. You can purchase them right at your grocery store, or (as we recommend) make a trip to your local farmer’s market. And if you focus on basing a healthy, well-balanced diet on the 14 “Superfoods,” the detrimental effects of these diseases can be slowed, stopped or even reversed.

And when you nourish your body physically with these nutrient-dense foods, your mental capacities increase, and your spiritual wellness is enhanced as well. In addition, since your spiritual health is optimal, it will shine through to the outside, and people will notice you’re happy, calm, and that your stress levels have decreased dramatically.

I think this is so important that we are going to be bringing you a lot more information on this topic over the next few months. We will be sharing many articles on these super-foods and how they can nourish you, help keep you healthy, and help your body do what it was meant to do - cleanse itself of toxins and heal itself naturally.

So be sure to check back often for more ways to cut the junk out of your daily eating and replace it with members of the Superfoods group. Your body, mind and spirit will all be healthier as a direct result.

How to Choose the Detox Method for Your Health and Goals

A detoxification program can help you achieve a number of health goals. However, every diet or detox program will have different results. It’s important to first determine what you want to achieve and then to choose a detox method that supports your goals. Here’s how to choose a detox method for your health and goals.

Cover of Detox (Natural Care Handbook)Step One: What Do You Want to Accomplish?

The first question to ask yourself, and it may be a difficult question to answer, is “why”? Why do you want to detox? Some potential reasons or goals may be:

• To improve my health
• To gain more energy
• To eliminate my addiction to ________ (fill in the blank with your own food addiction. It might be sugar, white flour, caffeine, diet soda, etc…)
• To lose weight
• To reduce inflammation
• To improve my complexion
• To stop recurring Candida infections
• To improve my immune function

Step Two: Do Your Research

There are many, thousands actually, detox programs to choose from. Some are safe. Some aren’t. Some are proven to work. Some are a bunch of bunk. It’s important to make sure you’re choosing a program that is:

• Safe – Make sure it doesn’t ask you do take nor do anything that is risky to your health. Detoxing is about improving your health, not taking risks with it.
• Proven – Look for reviews, testimonials and endorsements by respected medical and health professionals.
• Realistic – If a diet asks you to drink nothing but a laxative tea for ten days that’s just not realistic. You’ll be cranky, irritable, stressed and probably unable to fast for ten days.

You also want to make sure the program supports your goals. It should be designed specifically for your needs.

Step Three: Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Some diets and detox programs just don’t work in the real world. It’s very difficult to give up eating for several days and still function normally. Make sure any detox program you choose is something that you can fit into your life. A two or three day detox plan often works best because you can detox on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During the weekend you can take it easy, relax and manage your detox side effects.

And detox programs that allow you to ease into them can be beneficial. Going cold turkey on any food or eating habit can be extremely challenging. If you have difficulty sticking to any type of diet, consider a detox program that allows you to ease into it by gradually reducing your bad food habits until you don’t miss them at all.

Detoxing can be a great way to achieve a number of health benefits and goals. Be honest with yourself about your goals and your lifestyle. Choose a safe program that will help you gain better health. And it’s always best to talk to your doctor or alternative healthcare provider about detoxing – it’s not right for everyone.

To learn more about toxins in your body, and reducing your toxic load, visit www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html

Video - pHion Detox System Overview

Here is a quick overview of a good detox/cleanse program, if you are going to go the supplement route, vs. the dietary method (we will discuss more on the differences between these two in the weeks ahead, and how and when to use one vs. the other, or a combination of the two).

Whole Body Detoxification Supplement - Detox Your Liver & Much More!
Detoxify Your WHOLE Body, Liver, Lymph & Kidneys! www.phionbalance.com pHion Whole Body Detoxification helps to eliminate bacteria, yeast and fungi - as well as the mycotoxins, exotoxins and endotoxins they produce - throughout your WHOLE body.


Click Here to Learn More, or click on a product below.


pHion Cleanze - Capsules
The Gentle, Yet Powerful Cleanse! The secret behind pHion Cleanze's efficacy is its ionic nature. The negatively charged elements in pHion Cleanze binds and remove acids, microforms, toxins, and heavy metals from your colon.


pHion D-tox - Capsules
Detoxify Your WHOLE Body! pHion D-tox helps to eliminate bacteria, yeast, and fungi - as well as the toxins they produce - throughout your WHOLE body. Plus, it will give your liver, kidneys and lymphatic system a detox tune-up. Eliminates yeast, fungi, and bacteria. pHion D-tox contains a comprehensive blend of herbal extracts and dietary ingredients that kill yeast, fungi and harmful organisms.


pHion Cleanze and D-tox Pack - Capsules
The Cleanze and D-tox Pack contains everything you need to cleanse & detoxify your entire body.  Includes: pH-boosting alkaline water additives, Cleansing & detoxifying elements with beneficial probiotics and prebiotics.

Detoxing: What Is Is It, And Is It Right For You?

You may have heard a lot about detoxing or detox diets. In fact, many celebrities swear by detox diets to lose weight. However, detoxing offers many more benefits than losing weight. If you’re curious about detoxing or interested in improving your health we may be able to help answer your questions.

pHion Cleanze and D-tox Pack - Capsules.

What is Detoxing?

Detoxing is the process of eliminating toxins from your body. There are many ways that toxins are naturally removed from your body. For example, if you are sweating toxins are removed from your body in your sweat. You urinate toxins and they are also eliminated in your stools. Additionally you can take a bath in Epsom salts or sea salts and remove toxins from your body.

Toxins can be stored in your fat cells, muscles, blood and organs. Many of these toxins enter your body from every day exposure to chemicals. For example, car exhaust is inhaled. Second hand smoke is a toxin. You also ingest pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers and other chemicals when you eat. If you drink alcohol then you want to help get toxins out of your body. And if you eat junk food or processed food then you also consume chemicals in the form of artificial sweeteners, preservatives and flavorings and colorings. All these poisons accumulate in your body to make up what is called your "toxic load."

Image via WikipediaHow Does Detoxing Work?

A detox diet or detox plan helps lessen your toxic load by getting the toxins out of your body quickly. Most basic detox diets work by eliminating any chemicals from being consumed. For example, you might drink only organic juices for five days. This gets all of the toxins out of your body and doesn’t add any into your body. If you add sweating, massage and salt baths to the process then you detoxify even faster.

Why Detox?

If you’re feeling particularly run down you might want to detox. Getting the toxins out of your body can help restore health. If you’re considering going on a diet or fitness plan then a detox diet can help you start on the right foot. Additionally, if you want to lose weight then you might detox.

Detoxing Risks and Side Effects

Detoxing isn’t for everyone and it’s not without risks. You will likely experience a few withdrawal symptoms if you are on a detox diet. This is because your body is used to sugars and other chemicals. When you stop eating them, your body will need time to adjust. You might experience headaches, a bit of insomnia and some stomach distress. These side effects pass quickly. Once you’ve made it through the withdrawal symptoms you’ll feel great. You’ll likely have more energy. Your complexion may improve and your digestion and mental clarity will improve too.

Before you detox, talk to your doctor or an alternative healthcare professional. Pay close attention to your body during your detoxing experience. Detox too fast and you may become ill as toxins are released from your muscles into your bloodstream. You can always slow down the detox process.

Your health is important. Detoxing can improve it. Detox carefully and with careful attention to your body.

Here Are Some High Quality Detoxing Products:

   

Different Types of Toxins and How They Affect Your Health

You may have heard that detoxing helps improve your health. What you may not know is how. What happens when you remove toxins from your body? And what types of toxins are inside you?

Image via WikipediaToxins come in a few different categories. They include:

* Household toxins
* Food toxins
* Environmental toxins
* Lifestyle toxins

Let’s take a closer look at each type of toxin.

Lifestyle Toxins

These toxins are the easiest to eliminate from your life. However, the detox and withdrawal process can be quite challenging. Lifestyle toxins are the toxins you get from smoking, taking prescription and over the counter medications, and drinking alcohol. Sugar and white flour can also act as significant toxins in your body and cause serious problems. Even high levels of caffeine can cause health problems.

Food Toxins

Food toxins include artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Acesulfame K. It also includes chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides and preservatives. During the farming and manufacturing process the food you eat is exposed to hundreds of chemicals. The human body isn’t equipped to manage these chemicals. Thus those chemicals stay in your body. The result can be severe including cancer and immune or neurological disorders. Detoxing helps get them out of your body.

Image via WikipediaEnvironmental Toxins

Go outside and take a breath of fresh air. As cleansing as that breath can feel, it is contaminated by toxins (at least if you live in just about any urban or suburban area). These toxins are off gasses from farming and manufacturing processes. In addition, combustion engines and other systems create pollution. That pollution finds its way into your body in the air you breathe and the water you drink.

Household Toxins
There have been many studies that have shown that the air inside your home is much more dangerous than the air outside your home. Indoor pollution is a real problem. Household cleansers are filled with chemicals. You breathe them in whenever you use them. Additionally, bath and body products are also filled with chemicals.

Toxins are everywhere. They’re inside your home, workplace and the places you visit. They’re also in the food you eat and the things you drink. You can minimize your exposure to toxins by eating organic and locally grown foods (or even growing your own). Use natural cleaning products in your home and bath.

You can also purge the toxins from your system by occasionally going on a detox program. You’ll be able to purge the toxins from your body and maintain your health. It’s a great way to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. You can gain renewed energy, better sleep, more mental clarity and even lose weight by occasionally detoxing. Take great care when you detox. Follow your doctor’s guidelines and treat your body well.

For more on toxic load and what you can do about it, visit our website at www.newholisticliving.com. 

Garden of Life Cleanse - Day 3

Well, here we are - just wanted to post an update on the cleanse. I am into Day 4 now of the 10-Day Perfect Cleanse (well, I've taken it for 3 nights now - tonight will be the 4th).  So far, so good!

Image by anolobb via FlickrI was mostly worried about A. feeling sick the whole time, and B. running to the bathroom every 10 minutes - neither of which has happened. I feel normal - great actually - I seem to have a lot of energy this week, though I don't know if that's really from the cleanse or not. The only bad night was the first night, when I had some unpleasant stomach issues all evening - but these started before I even took any of the cleanse stuff, so I don't think it was related. Other than that, there has only been occasional (and minor) gas, and not sure if that is related either, but it could be.

The only other issue I have noticed that seems unusual is that I am VERY thirsty - I'm drinking about one and a half times as much water as normal throughout the day (and this does not include the combined 24oz which is needed each evening with the cleanse stuff). But I don't seem to be using the bathroom more, so maybe I was just dehydrated!

Also, just to avoid introducing other toxins into my body during the cleanse (and to prevent flushing away expensive vitamins), I am not taking my normal vitamin regimen (although the package did not say to discontinue this), except for my probiotics and whole-food supplement (also by Garden of Life), and Vitamin D - all of which I take in the morning, so it's not too close to the cleanse products.

Anyway, I'll post another update in a few days, so stay tuned!
Rose.

Avoiding Processed (Toxic) Foods

Have you ever seen a picture of your blood plasma after you’ve eaten a meal from McDonald’s or Burger King? It’s not a pretty picture. It looks thick and cloudy. Fast foods are loaded with artificial fats and sodium. They use white bread and rolls, which means they’ve used white processed flour, with very few nutrients in it.

Image via Wikipedia
And how do you feel after a Big Mac and french fries? You need a nap, don’t you? All that fat will drag you down and make you feel sluggish and toxic.

Going on a diet may seem hard, but think about some of the things you do when you go on a diet. You eliminate those high fat, processed, high-sodium foods. You eat less, true. But you also eat more raw fruits and vegetables. You drink more water. And the results of eating this way are increased energy, better sleep, less illness, less toxins in the body, and generally better health over all. You can do some of this, without having to give up everything that you enjoy - just cut back on the processed stuff.

Processed foods, with their high fat content are hard to digest. They take an enormous amount of the body’s energy to consume. When your body’s energy isn’t used up digesting all that fat, it’s available for YOU – for work, play, love, exercise – in other words, for LIFE.

These aren’t drastic concepts. You don’t necessarily have to make drastic changes in your lifestyle to be healthier. But take a good look at what you consume without even thinking about it. We reach for the potato chips, or stop at McDonald’s or Taco Bell when we’re hungry and we want something in a hurry.

Image by Public Domain Photos via FlickrIt’s much easier these days to have healthy snacks on hand so you don’t have to stop at a fast food place when you’re hungry. If you’re on the road a lot, and get hungry but haven't packed anything with you, stop and pick up a bag of vegetables or apple slices at a grocery store. Yes, it may be easier to go through the drive-thru at  Wendy’s, but taking a few extra minutes, not to mention a few extra steps, will be well worth it in energy and vitality, and in reducing the toxic load on your body.

Related Articles on Fast Food and Toxins:

• What's Really Going on in Your Fast Food? (grub.gunaxin.com)
• "American Food Policy: Toxic, Starting With Children, Especially From Poor Families" and related posts (downwithtyranny.blogspot.com)
• Taco Bell Sued For Not Using Enough 'Real Beef' In Their 'Beef' (mediaite.com)
• New Dietary Guidelines Show Politics Still Trumps Science (healthland.time.com)
• Healthy at McDonalds? (psychiclunch.com)

Formaldehyde - In Your Clothes?

Yet another example of toxins in our environment that the majority of us aren't at all aware of....  Not to use scare tactics, but I feel it is very important to educate ourselves on what we are exposed to on a daily basis, and how to reduce exposure as much as possible.

Of course manufacturers of clothing and other articles will dispute this, but then again, they have a vested interest in keeping you in the dark. Check out this very informative article from the Cancer Prevention Coalition, and make up your own mind:

foodconsumer.org - Unrecognized Dangers Of Formaldehyde (PR)
Unrecognized Dangers Of Formaldehyde Cancer Prevention Coalition CHICAGO, IL, January 10, 2011 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- The Cancer Prevention Coalition today is drawing public attention to a two page article in the New York Times, ...
Publish Date: 01/25/2011 17:16
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Non-food/Environment/unrecognized_dangers_of_formaldehyde_0125110415.html

Avoiding Toxins by Eating Organic

Food that is grown or raised without chemical pesticides or chemical fertilizers is called “organic.” We’ve become so accustomed to getting by with foods that have been grown with fertilizers and that contain harmful toxins, that we’ve forgotten what it’s like to feel truly “well.” (Most of us don’t know how good we could really feel.)

Image by Hari Prasad Nadig via FlickrWhat are some other good reasons to eat organic food? You might be surprised to find out how much we pay in terms of flavor and nutrition to eat perfect-looking food. Yes, organic food might have an occasional blemish or flaw. Organic foods, though, are generally fresher and more flavorful. Many times, they’re grown locally, so they haven’t been stored or refrigerated. (Check out a local CSA to make sure you are getting the freshest food around, as well as supporting your local community and environment.) Consider the difference in flavor between a vine-ripened tomato and a "regular" (store-bought) tomato. There’s just no comparison.

The body has to process everything you put into it and eliminate what it cannot digest. If your food contains toxins in the form of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, your body has to figure out a way to get rid of the toxins. When the body cannot get rid of toxins fast enough, it stores them until it is able to eliminate them. This can lead to many health problems. Many of the pesticides used in farming have been found to be carcinogenic. Reducing your exposure to these toxins can improve your health. 

True, some people eliminate toxins well. Still, the body needs to expend energy to eliminate toxins when it could be doing other things such as healing damaged cells, fighting off viruses and bacteria, or patrolling the body for cancer cells. Even people who can tolerate or eliminate toxins could feel substantially better without putting these poisons into their bodies. And if your system is sensitive to toxins, you’ll be much better off eliminating them from your diet as much as possible. 

Image via WikipediaFortunately, it’s easier and easier to do this because there’s a greater selection and variety of organic produce in our grocery stores. However, this can be expensive, and you're still not getting the freshest food if your organic produce is being shipped from California to New York (not to mention, think of all the environmental impact of the long-distance transit). For the freshest organic foods, visit your local farmer's market, or join a CSA - the benefits can be much greater, both in terms of your health, and the world around you.

Body Detoxification: Naturally Remove Unwanted Toxins

Toxicity is one of the greatest concerns in the 20th century. This is because there are many combined factors now contributing to the buildup of toxins in the human Image via Wikipediabody (also called toxic load),  including increased use of stronger chemicals for a variety of purposes, water and air pollution, and radiation. Many people are ingesting new chemicals, using all kinds of drugs, eating more sugar as well as refined foods, and also filling their systems with various sedatives and stimulants.

These toxins lead to an increased incidence of illness, disease, and general ill health. Some of the most dangerous health issues which can be caused by high toxic load are cardiovascular illnesses and cancer. Others include obesity, allergies, arthritis, and other skin problems. Common symptoms of high toxic load include fatigue, headaches, pains, gastrointestinal problems, coughs, and other problems associated with a weak immune system.

These chronic and acute illnesses can be alleviated through cleansing or detoxification of the body. This process naturally eliminates harmful toxins from the body. It can either be a short-term or a long-term procedure. Those people who are addicted to some substances can also benefit from a detox program. They can temporarily avoid addictive agents and later on withdraw from their abusive habits as their bodies are cleared of the harmful substances.

Take note that toxicity can occur on two major levels. It can either be internal or external. External toxicity is acquired from the environment through breathing, ingesting or physical contacts.  It also includes the chemical characteristics of foods which affect the health. Most food additives, drugs, and allergens create the body’s toxic elements. In fact, substances such as sodium, many nutrients and vitamins, and even water have toxicity in particular circumstances.

Image via WikipediaOn the other hand, internal toxins are internally produced by the body from its daily normal functions. Cellular, bodily, and biochemical activities are constantly producing substances that should be eliminated. These free radicals known as biochemical toxins can cause inflammation or irritation of the tissues and cells which blocks the normal functioning of an organ, cells, or entire body system. All kinds of microbes, foreign bacteria, intestinal bacteria, parasites, and yeasts produce waste products that are metabolic. Emotions, thoughts, and stress also increase biochemical toxins.

Almost everybody in today's society needs to detoxify their bodies to some degree. Detox or cleansing is just one part of maintaining a healthy body and reducing your toxic load. Eating a balanced diet of clean, healthy and natural foods, and avoiding excesses is another part.

Eating a diet filled with artificial or processed fats, refined foods, and dairy products, combined with a typical dose of prescription drugs, can lead to a high toxic load within the body. This is a pretty typical diet for most Americans, so it's easy to see why detox can be very helpful.  

Fasting is one detox therapy that is sometimes incorporated. It is considered as the oldest and most complete natural treatment for humans. Detox processes (including fasting) can help clear dead cells and other waste, and revitalize the natural functions as well as the healing capacities of the body. Many people claim that certain cleansing and detox programs have had incredible positive results on their body.

Eliminating toxins and reducing your toxic load is very important to the health of your body. Although the body can handle certain amount of toxins, the sheer amount of chemicals we are now exposed to on a daily basis poses a high burden on your body, which it cannot always handle without help. A good detox program can help equip you with a well-working and stronger immune system to prevent diseases and prolong your life.

For more information on lowering your toxic load, as well as making your home less toxic, please visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html.