Toxin: a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced in the tissues, and typically capable of antibody formation.– Merriam-Webster.
Our bodies accumulate toxins everyday – it’s a natural, common, and everyday occurrence. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, we internalize and accumulate toxins. The levels of toxins can vary from person-to-person, of course; but even the healthiest person on the planet has some level of toxins internally.
The question then becomes: how do we get rid of them? And we should be asking that question.
Because toxins have the ability to disrupt, and negatively impact normal physiological and bodily functions. Whether we’re talking endotoxins – the toxins that line our bacterial cell wall; or exotoxins – those secreted by bacteria – they can cause all types of ailments, including diseases. Toxins can also increase the risk of cancer.
Here are just some symptoms and effects of toxins in the body:
– Blurred vision
– Memory loss
– Acid reflux
– Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders
– Weight gain
– Back pain
– Low testosterone in men
– Joint inflammation and stiffness
– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
– Increased risk of cancer
– Headaches; low energy; depression; bowel irregularities; digestive problems; skin problems
Water-soluble vs. Fat-soluble Toxins
Water-soluble toxins are those expelled from the body via the blood and kidneys. Our body has the capability of eradicating water-soluble toxins effectively via urination.
Fat-soluble toxins are a different story altogether. These toxins which include food additives, pesticides, pollutants, preservatives, and even metals, must undergo a chemical transformation is order to be eradicated from the body. For this to process to be optimally effective, it is important that components of the gastrointestinal system – particularly, the liver – are healthy and functioning properly.
Prevention
Preventative practices are crucial for just about every known adverse health condition or element, and toxins are no different. While the accumulation of toxins can’t be avoided altogether, mitigative actions can limit the body’s toxicity levels.
Here Are A Few Ways To Reduce Our Exposure To Toxins:
1. Eat Whole Foods
As the major source of chemicals and toxins comes from food, it is important to know which foods to eat. Whole foods – those free from additives, preservatives and other artificial ingredients – can help reduce toxin levels.
2. Use Chemical-Free Products
These include body care (e.g. soap, toothpaste), cosmetics, and cleaning products. There are products on the market that are either chemical-free or contain few toxins.
3. Use A Water Filter
Water treatment has come a long way, but it’s still not perfect. Unfiltered water can contain a number of harmful elements that contribute to the body’s toxicity levels. Industrial and agricultural processes have further tainted the water supply.
4. Perform A Cleanse
A number of natural body cleanses exist can expel some of the toxins within our body. There are also prescriptive cleanses available that may be effective.
Flushing
In normal circumstances, a healthy liver will eliminate most toxins through bile immersion. Bile is secreted by the liver and feeds the toxins to the gallbladder for emulsion. The small intestine then filters and absorbs most nutrients and refeeds the fats containing toxins back to the liver for removal.
If any of the abovementioned mechanisms is out of whack, the body will not effectively eliminate fat-soluble toxins. This is where flushing can help solve the problem. More specifically, we want to cleanse the liver and gall bladder.
To do this, we’re going to use some ingredients with potent cleansing properties. Here’s what we’ll need:
– 1 large grapefruit OR 3 lemons
– ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
– 4 tablespoons (TBSP) of Epsom Salt
– Apple juice OR supplements w/ malic acid
Directions:
(Note: please ensure that you follow the directions below carefully)
Step 1:
– 4-6 days before starting this cleanse, drink as much apple juice (or eat as many apples) as possible. On the last two days of this time window, drink 8 ounces of apple juice every 3 hours.
Step 2 (first day):
Between 2 to 3 pm, dissolve 4 TBSP of Epsom salts with 2-3 glasses of water. DO NOT DRINK. Pour into a container suitable for refrigeration.
DO NOT EAT anything after completing Step 2.
Step 3:
Approximately 4 hours after completing Step 2, drink a ¾ cup of the Epsom salt/water mix. (Optional: add ¼ TBSP of Vitamin C powder to sweeten the flavor). Read Step 4.
Step 4:
Repeat Step 3 approximately 2 hours later. Read Step 5.
Step 5:
3-4 hours after completing Step 3, pour a half-cup of extra virgin olive oil. Squeeze the grapefruit or lemons into the oil. Close the jar and mix well. DO NOT DRINK, but immediately continue to Step 6.
Step 6:
15-30 minutes after completing Step 5, drink. For optimal results, this entire mixture should be consumed within 5 minutes. Sleep.
Step 7:
Upon waking up, drink another ¾ cup of the Epsom salt/water mix and rest. Wait 2 hours and then read Step 8.
Step 8 (final):
Drink what remains of the Epsom salt/water mix. Wait 2 hours. Afterward, you may continue your normal eating routine except for fruits.
