Every day we are exposed to countless sources of toxins that clog up our lungs, skin, intestines, kidneys and liver. Yes, even here in paradise. One of the big reasons that my husband and I chose Kauai as our home
Every day we are exposed to countless sources of toxins that clog up our lungs, skin, intestines, kidneys and liver. Yes, even here in paradise.
One of the big reasons that my husband and I chose Kauai as our home was to get away from big city and Mainland grime and pollution. We know that here we can live closer to nature and avoid many of the toxins that others live with in greater quantities. But still there are many harmful substances that we encounter even here that we need to guard against.
For millions of years our human bodies’ detoxification systems (liver, kidneys, skin, intestines and lungs) have done a great job and been able to keep pace with the byproducts of living. Yes, our own bodies create byproducts that need to be cleansed out of our systems. It is not just the environment that causes toxic waste. But with the countless new synthetic chemicals being introduced into our “foods,” clothes, body care products, cleaning supplies, furniture, cars and houses, the burden on these organs is currently unbearable.
You can help your body’s natural cleansing process by engaging in some very elementary practices and by making some strategic choices. Two processes must be at work. First, we need to clean up the toxins that have already accumulated. Secondly, we must minimize our exposure to toxins from known sources.
Since many of the toxins in our bodies are harbored in the foods we consume, it makes sense to start there.
Chemicals used in modern agricultural business include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides — “cide” means to kill. Many of these “cides” attack small-celled plants and animals in order to save the crops, but our bodies are comprised of many single cells working together in systems and networks, and the “cides” do their work there, too.
Most produce that is mass produced still has significant amounts of chemical residues on the skin or in the actual plant. Atrazine, for example, is used in corn production and is known to cause developmental effects on children in utero. Other pesticides are linked to skin problems, digestive disorders and neurological pathologies. There are dozens of chemicals used in agri-business that are known to cause human health problems.
As often as possible, purchase organic produce in order to limit your exposure to toxins. Go to the farmers markets and ask if the produce is organic. Organic produce is simply cleaner. If you can’t always get organic, buy fruits or veggies that have a thick peel, such as pineapple, kiwi, avocados or citrus fruit. Also, choosing locally-grown produce will reduce your exposure to waxes and other additives that are applied to preserve them for long transport.
Remember the pesticide atrazine? Because it is used on corn and corn is a favorite feed for livestock (even though it is not a healthy choice for them), this pesticide is found in non-organic eggs, dairy and meat. Atrazine is just one of the many chemicals that is found in non-organic animal products.
Others are used to stimulate muscle growth or milk production, keep the bacterial count down or fight off illnesses in animals that are mass produced for the consumer market. Buy local, buy fresh, buy from someone you know, buy organic.
The topic of cleansing for health is a huge one and I want to continue with more information on the subject. Until next week, go with clean Kauai-grown food as much as you can.
• Jane Riley, M.S., B.A., C.P.T., Certified Nutritional Adviser, can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
