5 lifestyle changes to minimise toxic stress on your body

Toxins are everywhere in our environment; from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Exposure to toxins can cause stress in our bodies and lead to a range of symptoms or health challenges including fatigue, headaches, and even chronic illness. Many of these toxins upset the endocrine system in our bodies and affect the function of hormones. Reducing the stress caused by toxins is an important part of optimising the function of your body, and it’s easier than you might imagine!

The best way to reduce stress from toxins is to avoid exposure in the first place. This means being mindful of the products you use and the environment you are in:

  • Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our health. Instead, choose natural cleaning products that are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals. You can make your own cleaning products using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. The app ‘Think Dirty’ is a great way to scan the barcode of a product to get an idea of the chemical content.
  • Eat organic where possible and avoid processed food with a long shelf-life. Mass-produced foods can be contaminated with pesticides, herbicides and preservatives which contribute to toxic stress. Choosing organic can help reduce exposure to these chemicals, or you could even grow your own produce at home. The dirty dozen is a list of 12 fruits and vegetables that are commonly found to be contaminated with pesticides. The list is designed to help you make informed choices about where to prioritise eating organic. Here are the fruits and vegetables that make up the Dirty Dozen list:

    1. Strawberries
    2. Spinach
    3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
    4. Nectarines
    5. Apples
    6. Grapes
    7. Cherries
    8. Peaches
    9. Pears
    10. Peppers
    11. Celery
    12. Tomatoes

  • Reduce plastic use. Plastic products can contain harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food and water. Try to reduce your use of plastic products by using reusable bags, containers, and water bottles made of glass or stainless steel. 
  • Improve air quality. Where possible, avoid smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke. Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, which can contribute to toxin stress. Using an air purifier can help remove pollutants from the air, including dust, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can capture small particles.
  • Reduce drug use where possible, looking for natural remedies to relieve aches and pains in the body. Ensuring that your body is nourished, hydrated and active is important for health and wellbeing, especially when fighting a bug or healing an injury.

Toxic stress is an un-avoidable aspect of modern life, so it is important to also support the body’s natural detoxification process as well. The body uses the liver, gall bladder, kidneys, lungs, and skin to eliminate toxins.

You can support this process by drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can also help protect your body from the negative effects of toxins. Supplements can also support the body’s natural detoxification processes. For example, milk thistle is a herb that supports liver function, which is important for detoxification.

Dr Hannah Douglas
Doctor of Chiropractic

You can contact me: hannah@northcotechiropractic.co.uk

Sending you all my support!

Hannah

You can also see Hannah’s website https://www.thehormonehealthclub.co.uk to find out how else she can help you.