TOXINS - What are they?
We hear about toxins a lot. We know they're bad for us, and we know we should avoid them. But what exactly are they, and what are they doing to our bodies that's so terrible?
Merriam-Webster defines a toxin as “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 into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation.” Say again?
There are two main types of toxins: exogenous and endogenous.
Exogenous toxins are chemicals produced outside of your body and can harm cells if inhaled, absorbed or ingested. The most common exogenous toxins are things like recreational drugs, MSG, aspartame and any over-the-counter or prescription drug that warns it could lead to liver damage. So steer clear of all of the above.
Endogenous toxins are produced within our bodies, some of which are waste products of normal metabolic activities - like lactic acid, carbon monoxide and urea. Generally, your body is well equipped to deal with these toxins and dispose of them naturally.
However, a very common source of endogenous toxins in the body is an unhealthy digestive system. A poor diet, full of refined foods, can lead to an unhealthy balance of microorganisms in your gastrointestinal tract. Our bodies now have to work to eliminate these toxins. A skin rash, persistent cough, nasal congestion and diarrhea can all be signs that your body is working overtime to expel toxins in your system.
If our bodies are continually exposed to endogenous toxins, our next defense is to store these toxins in our fat tissues, as they are less vital to our survival than tissue like ligaments or muscles. As time goes on, our bodies will also store toxins in connective tissue (leading to aches and pains and possibly serious diseases such as cancer, arthritis and other auto-immune diseases).
Put simply, toxins are the byproduct and build-up of a bad diet and exposure to harmful chemicals. Our body's natural instinct is do everything in its power to combat the toxins, but our liver, kidneys and gut can only do so much.
So what can you do to combat toxin overload? Organic, Living juice cleanses will help flush many of these toxins out of your system (more on that below), but here are tips to avoid toxins in the first place:
- Purchase and consume as much organic produce and free-range, organic food as possible.
- Avoid processed foods - they are full of chemicals. Toss the white flour and sugar.
- Eliminate drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) as much as you possibly can. And limit caffeine and alcohol while you're at it.
- Read labels. Avoid foods with MSG or aspartame.
- Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Why Juice Cleanse?
An organic, Living Juice cleanse is a great way to help to eliminate the toxins in your body. Whether as routine maintenance or to kick start to a new you, a short juice cleanse will help you achieve a better, cleaner body. You'll remove toxins and supercharge your body with vitamins, minerals and live enzymes.
Find out how to have Living Juice delivered to you (yes, it's that easy).
Sources: www.drbenkim.com, www.afmhealth.com