How Full Is Your Bucket?
Have you ever given much thought to whether you are exposing yourself to a high level of toxins?
With chemical triggered health conditions on the rise, it is important to evaluate your exposure level. I find picturing a bucket filling up a helpful visualization. Exposure to toxins is unavoidable, and individual instances aren’t a big deal – the human body is resilient. Over time though, the cumulative effect of too much exposure may cause our bodies defences to be overwhelmed (i.e. when the bucket is full and starts spilling over). As our buckets fill, we need to re-evaluate our lifestyle and to make some changes to maintain wellbeing.
Here are some simple tips to reduce your toxin exposure.
Reduce chemicals in your food:
Choose organic when possible. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) develops an annual list of fruits and vegetables that they have found to have the highest levels of pesticides and chemicals. They recommend that you buy organic the fruits and vegetables on this “The Dirty Dozen” list - https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
Minimize processed foods and chemicals/preservatives
Choose meats that have been humanely raised and are free of antibiotics and hormones
Eat fish that have low-mercury levels such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring
Go BPA free – avoid buying canned goods unless it states on the can that it is BPA free
Reduce chemicals in your home:
Anything that you put on your skin gets absorbed into the body, so it is important to choose natural and non-toxic personal care products and make-up
Minimize chemical household cleaning products, laundry detergents and air fresheners
Drink filtered water:
Use a good quality home water filtration system to help minimize your exposure to chemicals such as chlorine, heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides
Reduce plastic:
Store and heat food in glass, ceramic or stainless-steel containers. Plastic containers and plastic wrap can leach chemicals into your food, especially when heated.
Reduce airborne toxins in your home:
Check for mold and remediate thoroughly if found
Routinely change the air filter in your furnace
Have the air ducts professionally cleaned every couple of years
Keep outdoor toxins out of the house:
Don’t wear outdoor shoes around the house
Have a doormat at the front door to catch dust and toxins
Reducing your exposure to toxins does not need to be an overwhelming task. Assessing your exposure and taking small steps to reducing it is a great place to start!
