Do you know how toxic chemicals affect your gut health?
Chances are you come in contact with harmful, toxic chemicals hundreds of times during your day. Of course it does depend on your personal lifestyle and the items you purchase. These items include: household products, personal care products, and —yes—FOOD.
Health statistics indicate a widespread increase of chronic inflammatory diseases. Toxic chemicals, or toxins in our food appear to play a major role. Toxins such as pesticides and soil contaminants along with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients all influence our health. It begins in your gut.
Most of my clients have gut-related issues. They have conditions as simple as malaise or more inflammatory ones such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraine, to name a few. None seemingly related to an unhealthy gut, right?
Your gut is your body’s gatekeeper. A healthy gut lets food compounds in and keeps harmful ones out. Approximately 80% of our immune cells line the intestinal tract and about 3 pounds of good bacteria. (more bacteria in your gut than cells in your body!) An irritated/distressed gut allows dangerous toxins to enter where they can manifest as any inflammatory condition in the body.
The good news is you can keep your gut healthy or get it healthy again if you are experiencing symptoms. Here are a few suggestion:
Avoid Processed, Packaged Foods
Processed foods are loaded with sweeteners, toxic chemicals to alter texture, “bad” fats, artificial flavors, colorings, and preservatives. These foods also lack nutrients which protect your health, such as antioxidants, “good” fats, and soluble fiber.
Always look for processed ingredients on food labels – e.g. high fructose corn syrup, lecithin, partially hydrogenated oil of any kind. At the very least, buy whole grain flours and breads instead of white (you will still need to read labels). Buy whole fresh fruits and vegetables; replace margarine or spread with organic preservative free butter, avocado, or home made hummus.
Buy USDA Certified Organic Produce, Meat, and Dairy Products
Organic produce is not treated with toxic chemicals, such as,pesticides. It is grown with natural fertilizers (manure, compost), and it does not contain preservatives.
Organic meat, dairy, and eggs are produced from organically raised animals that are not given antibiotics and growth hormones. They are fed organic food, not animal by-products and they are given access to the outdoors.
Consume Food and Beverages in Safe Containers and Packaging
Glass, ceramic or stainless steel are the safest materials to use. Buy fresh foods not packaged in plastic cling wrap and never microwave in plastic containers/wrap. Drink hot beverages from paper or glass rather than styrofoam.
These suggestions are a good place to start, however, if you currently suffer with a chronic inflammatory condition, I can help you feel better.
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