Toxins abound. They’re in our food, our water, the air, everywhere. So, before talking about adopting a detox program to get toxins out, I’m going to say something brief about how you can stop putting them in!
This isn’t intended in any way as a scaremonger post, it’s merely a quick look at a few things we can change or avoid to give a body already struggling with fatigue less work to do. Detoxing takes a lot of energy, primarily from the liver, here’s how to take the load off.
When living with fatigue, the least effort or change can seem like a huge endeavour, I know, I’ve been there. So I’m keeping this as easy to follow and maintain as I can. If you’re having a brain fog addled day, leave it for now and come back to it later…
Toxins we eat
In our foods are both natural and unnatural toxins. The natural ones include some moulds, green potatoes, alcohol (hence the term “intoxicated”). Unnatural sources of toxins that end up in our stomach are pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, and gases used to ripen fruit; then there are artificial ingredients such as: sweeteners, flavour enhancers etc.
Detox step 1 – eat natural healthy foods, and avoid processed foods and preservatives wherever possible. Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly (warm slightly salt water is good for thorough cleansing) and drain or dry them too.
When feeling fatigued the body needs to get good energy from it’s food – fresh, living foods are better fuel than anything pre-packaged.
Toxins we make
The digestive system is the host to a variety or yeasts and bacteria, some of which make toxic by-products. When the body converts and uses protein, it produces ammonia and urea.
Protein is essential in many bodily functions, including the building and repair of tissues. But, when we eat too much, and many Westerners do; we are causing the body to produce excess ammonia. When we combine that with sugary drinks and not enough fresh water, we create an unnecessarily toxic environment in the body.
Two easy lifestyle improvements to prevent acquired toxicity are:
1. Reducing intake of dense proteins (i.e. meat, which not only produces ammonia but requires energy, and increased acid to digest). Try and eat lightly, rice and vegetables, tofu and stir fries, things like that which are easier to digest, nutritionally balanced and non-acidic.
2. Increasing water intake – easy enough, keep a bottle by you and sip throughout the day
Toxins we acquire from our environment
Pollutants. These days, they’re everywhere; traffic fumes, cleaning products, industrial and agricultural chemicals. There is only so much we can do to avoid them. But there are a few things we can do to minimise their presence in our lives. Using natural cleaning products and thoroughly washing all fruit and veg is a good start. Spider plants, ficus, and bromeliads are all good air cleansing plants that are also low maintenance.
Aside from that, we need to look at supporting our body as best we can by focusing on the areas where we can have positive influence. More on that tomorrow…
Detox & Fatigue Series
Detox & Fatigue Part 1: Introduction
Detox & Fatigue Part 2: Toxins – Where are You Getting Yours?
Detox & Fatigue Part 3: Love your Liver
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