We are
exposed to numerous environmental toxins and pollutants everyday. They pose an
increased problem to our health as many of these toxins and pollutants are in
our air, water, and soil. Four of the most widely known environmental toxins
are lead, trihalomethanes, ionizing radiation, and tobacco smoke. Environmental
toxins are found in our tap water, in the fertilizers used for crops,
preservatives and hormones that are added to our food or in the packaging of
our food, household cleaning products, personal care products, household items
that are comprised of wood products, plastics, and/or solvents, our clothing,
and pesticides and insecticides.
Many serious risks have been linked to these
environmental toxins such as: certain cancers, depression, asthma, arthritis,
immune deficiency and auto-immune diseases, eczema, hormonal imbalances,
neurological disorders, chronic fatigue, chemical imbalances in the brain, etc.
When environmental toxins cause an array of troubling symptoms they can also be
attributed to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). MCS is suspected when a
person exhibits problems to even a low amount of toxins, they experience
ongoing problems, different triggers affect them, and they improve when the
trigger is removed.
It is possible to reduce the toxic
intake and build up by incorporating healthy changes and life-style choices.
Some of the ways to avoid environmental toxins are to use nontoxic cleaning
products, ventilate your space well, always use protective gear when working
with toxins such as old paint, eliminate all sources of smoke, do not use bug
sprays or bug bombs, thoroughly research all personal products, read the entire
insert of all medications, etc. There are numerous herbal substances that can
help your body to naturally get rid of toxic build up, such as: dandelion,
fennel, and other herbs that are used effectively to cleanse and detoxify the
body. There are also natural remedies and foods that have a detoxifying and
cleansing effect on the body, too.
Food borne illnesses refer to illnesses
that are the result of consuming foods that are contaminated with viruses,
parasites, and pathogenic bacteria. There are also those that are due to
natural or chemical toxins found on certain foods. Some of the major causes of
these illnesses are contamination, improper storage and handling, and improper
preparation of foods. It is usually not diseases that occur naturally, but
rather unnatural practices that trigger the attack. There are preventive
measures that are also simple that are easy to incorporate in order to lessen
one’s chances of contracting a food borne illness. E.coli (Haemorraghic
colitis) is caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli. This bacterium produces
toxic substances that can damage the intestinal lining causing pain and
diarrhea. Some of those infected will recover quickly; others will experience
more serious complications. My daughter developed Hemolytic Uraemic Syndrome.
This condition leads to damage to the blood and kidneys and is especially harmful
to the elderly and the very young. In order to prevent this, it is advisable to
thoroughly wash all items used in preparations, to cook all types of meat to
destroy all the organisms present and to refrigerate left over meat right away.
In addition, thoroughly cleaning all produce before eating is advisable as
well. My daughter contracted hers through spinach, which was later recalled.
Salmonellosis is triggered by a bacterium called salmonella. This has the
tendency to multiply in the small intestines as well as invading the gut
lining. This bacterium is common in feces of animals and humans, in raw eggs,
meat, poultry, and other egg and meat products. To prevent this disease it is
advisable to thoroughly cook all foods and make sure they are properly handled.
I believe it is extremely important to
review with my clients as a precautionary measure. Although they might have
heard some of this before, I believe that by discussing this with them, they
will recognize that living their healthiest and best life is not dealing with
their health on a symptomatic level, but by addressing their health as a whole.
It is also important to me that my clients understand the energetic connection
to toxins and their bodies. Through discussing these issues with my clients, I
am helping to facilitate the integration of the health of their mind, body, and
spirit. Integrating wellness through wholeness, this is what I am called to do
and what brings me joy!
http://www.holistichelp.net/environmental-health.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/foodbornedisease/index.html
http://www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/foodborne-illness-common.html
http://www.fsis.usda.gov
