It is a fact that there are increasing amounts of harmful toxins we are likely to be exposed to everyday. Not all have been regulated well and many substances found in household items such as an oven cleaning solution or even our tap water can prove harmful to our bodies. Follow these top tips for avoiding exposure to environmental toxins:



1. Salmon and PCBs

If you choose to eat salmon, avoid farm-raised salmon which are usually fed other fish which have absorbed PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) that are still present in the environment - although this industrial chemical has been banned from the USA for decades. These have been linked to cancer and fetal brain abnormalities. Instead, choose high-quality, wild fish.

2. Pesticides

Fruit, vegetables, commercially-raised meat and bug sprays commonly contain pesticides. It is estimated that 60% of herbicides, 90% of fungicides and 30% of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic. They have also been linked to Parkinson Disease, miscarriage, nerve damage and birth defects. To avoid these chemicals, choose organic varieties of food whenever possible.

3. Plastics and Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics - they are known to affect the hormonal system. They are found in plastic wrap, plastic food containers and plastic bottles, all of which can leak them into our food. One good way to do avoid these chemicals is to resist storing or microwaving food in plastic containers - choose glass or ceramic containers instead.

4. VOCs

VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds which are found in cosmetics, deodorants, drinking water and cleaning fluids. They have been linked to cancer, visual disorders, memory impairment and eye and respiratory tract irritations. To limit these, use a filter for your tap water and choose cosmetics, deodorants and cleaning fluids that have been made using natural ingredients.

5. Dioxins

Dioxins are chemicals found in commercial animal fats. They have been linked to cancer, hormonal problems, reproductive and developmental disorders and certain skin conditions. Choose meats that have been organically farmed to reduce exposure to these toxins.

6. Heavy metals

Metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminum and cadmium can lead to cancer, neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, abnormal heart rate and decreased red and white blood cell production if they accumulate in our systems. You may find these metals in dental amalgams, drinking water, pesticides, antiperspirant and fish. Avoid these by asking your dentist not to use amalgam fillings (which contain mercury), filtering your drinking water, choosing wild fish that claim to have low or no mercury levels and opting for food and cosmetics that contain organic ingredients.

7. Cleaning agents and chlorine

This is one of the most used chemical agents and is often found in cleaning products. It is also highly toxic, causing harm to the lungs and respiratory system, and eye and skin irritation. Buy a household cleaner that doesn't contain chlorine, or choose ones which are biodegradable and non-toxic. 'Natural' cleaning solutions are now more readily available in stores.

When in doubt about any of the conditions mentioned above, consult your local Ontario chiropractor, someone who can offer alternative methods to not only eliminate these toxins from your body, but also treat chronic symptoms the natural way.

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