Toxins are all around us. They are hiding in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. In an attempt to protect itself, our body stores these harmful toxins in fat.

There are two kinds of toxins: water-soluble toxins and fat-soluble toxins. The water-soluble type is quickly flushed out of the body through the kidneys and the blood. The fat-soluble kind must pass through the liver, which converts the toxins and makes them ready for elimination.

Some fat-soluble toxins include preservatives, pesticides, heavy metals, food additives, plastics, environmental chemicals, and pollutants. 

 

Why is it important to keep the liver healthy?

 

The liver produces a green-yellowish fluid called bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. The liver plays a crucial role in the elimination of certain toxins and old red blood cells. Furthermore, the liver is essential for the digestion of fats.

The gut, during the digestive process, becomes somewhat permeable so the lymphatic system may gather absorbed fats and pass them to the liver. The good fats are then converted to cell membranes, cholesterol, skin cells, brain cells, and hormones.

The bile marks for the elimination and processing of bad fats. The insoluble fiber then absorbs the bile and it exits the body as fecal matter. Therefore, eating high-fiber foods is so important.

 

The Role of the Lymphatic System

 

The GALT (Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue) surrounds the intestinal tract. It processes and absorbs both toxins stored in fat and nutritional fat from the digestive system and then passes it to the lymphatic system. To make the process work, both the lymphatic tissue and the digestive tissue must be healthy.

Signs of a congested GALT include allergies, bloating, hypersensitivities, extra weight around the abdomen, joint stiffness, skin irritations and itching, elimination issues, swollen feet and hands, and occasional headaches.

Toxins Stored In Fat Cells

 

When the lymphatic system is congested and the digestive system is unhealthy, toxins may return to the liver, which can become congested. If it is congested, the liver produces ineffective, thicker bile and creates a toxicity cycle.

The liver then starts to eliminate the fat-soluble toxins into the blood. Eventually, these toxins end up in the body’s fat reserves, where they stay for a long time and lead to free radical damage (oxidation) and degeneration.

4 Easy Ways To Get Rid of Toxins Stored in Fat Cells

 

The important thing to get rid of undesirable toxins is to keep the liver healthy by flushing out the toxins. Fortunately, this can be done naturally.

 

#1 Detox

Detoxifying the liver regularly will protect your liver from congestion. The more you are exposed to toxins, the more your body has to work to get rid of them.

As much as possible, use natural products when cleaning your home and buy organic foods.

 

#2 Get Fit

An active lifestyle can help prevent body toxicity as well as keep you healthy and young. Sweating helps the body get rid of toxins through your skin.

 

#3 Relax

Stress causes inflammation, which can hinder the exchange of nutrients and fats in the GALT. There are many ways to keep your body stress-free. Some of them include yoga and massages.

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#4 Eat Right and Drink Plenty of Water

Eat foods rich in dietary fiber for proper absorption through the bile. Leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (such as buckwheat, oats, and quinoa) are fiber-rich and contain vital nutrients.

Furthermore, be mindful of food sensitivities — like gluten and milk — that may lead to inflammation.

Make sure to drink plenty of water. This will help your body eliminate harmful toxins from your body via the urine.

Keeping your liver healthy and diet clean is crucial for the elimination of harmful toxins stored in fat. Once you have eliminated toxins, you get to live a happy, healthy life, and you look good as well.

Beware of Toxic Household Products

The best way to avoid toxins being stored in fat cells is to avoid toxins entering your body in the first place. 

Whether you like it or not, there are an increasing number of toxic products on today’s market. Staying healthy amidst these products – many of which you may not even recognize as toxic – can be a challenge. However, you can start by reducing, or completely do without certain toxic household products.

Research shows that the chemicals used in ordinary consumer products may put your family’s health at risk. They tend to steadily build up in the body and may eventually make you sick.

Here are some Common products that can put your health at risk:

 

1. Plastic Bottles and Containers

Many plastic bottles and containers contain BPA and other similar chemicals that are harmful to health. Moreover, you compound the risk when you use these containers to heat food in the microwave or leave your plastic bottle containing water exposed to the sun.

What you can do: switch to containers made of BPA-free plastic, glass, or stainless steel.

 

2. Non-Stick Pans

Using non-stick cookware is convenient; it saves you the time and effort needed to scour the pans to get rid of burnt-on food. Such cookware, however, contains polytetrafluoroethylene, a thermoplastic resin found to have harmful consequences for one’s health.

If you cannot do without your non-stick pans, make sure that you use low or medium heat when cooking. Additionally, you can also use safer cookware made of cast iron or stainless steel.

 

3. Cleaning Products

Household cleaning solutions may contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleaches, corrosive alkalis, and other toxic materials which may affect the digestive and respiratory systems. They can also trigger eye irritation, breathing problems, and headaches. Some products are even carcinogenic.

Therefore, you are better off using natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon, baking soda, and hot water to keep your home sparkling clean.

For glass, for instance, you can just use a water and vinegar combination. Use baking soda if you need an abrasive scrubbing solution. Simple water and soap can also help with your household chores.

If you have no choice but to clean using products containing chemicals, then make sure to open the windows, wear gloves, dilute them first, and avoid using more than what is recommended.

 

4. Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are also extremely toxic, aggravating asthma and other similar respiratory conditions. There are many natural options for keeping the air in your home fresh and clean.

You can use fresh flowers or an essential oil diffuser to keep the air smelling clean. Using essential oils is our favorite way to freshen up our home. It’s adjustable to your mood or scent preference. We often use lemon and eucalyptus here in the tropics to keep mosquitoes at bay or lavender, sandalwood, or ylang-ylang to relax and unwind.

You can also simmer water with cinnamon and cloves for a rich and sweet scent or you can use candles made with the essential oils you particularly like.

 

5. Antibacterial Products

Do you use a variety of antibacterial products like soaps, hand washes, toothpastes, and the like to keep your family free from germs? These products are likely to contain triclosan, an additive that may undermine the immune system. It is far better to use ordinary soap and water.

 

6. Chemical Insecticides

Chemical insecticides can be harmful, not only to pests but to your family as well. They contain ingredients that irritate the skin, cause respiratory problems and undermine the central nervous system.

Use natural alternatives. Look for organic products to deal with pests. Use boric acid on cracks, baseboards, and other areas where roaches hide. It is also effective for keeping ants in check.

 

While you may not be able to prevent being exposed to all chemicals that wreak havoc on your health and the environment, the good news is that you can always make sure that your home remains free from toxic household products.

Toxins In Your House: Is your House Making you Sick? 

 

Next to these common household products, your house could be leaching toxins too.

Your own house, which you sometimes consider as a safe haven, could be the one, which exposes you to various forms of illness. This happens when pesticides, toxins, molds, gasses, and other harmful substances thrive in your home.

Exposing yourself to them can trigger diseases. Here are some signs your house is making you sick, instead of giving you the security you need.

 

4 Common Toxins In Your House

 

#1 Dirty Bathroom

If you can no longer remember the last time you cleaned your bathroom, then maybe it’s time to do the task. Note that your dirty bathroom and bath mats serve as breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and dust mites. Your exposure to them can make you sick.

To prevent yourself from getting exposed to harmful allergens that cause various illnesses, make it a point to clean your bathroom and the items stored in it regularly.

 

#2 Mold Build-up

Most houses today are structured in such a way that molds can easily sneak in –  affecting the health of everyone. Mold tends to thrive on wallpapers, drywall, and wood.

Since your home is most likely sealed to make it more energy-efficient, it causes locked-in moisture, aggravating the growth of these molds. This can trigger allergic reactions and can worsen the condition of people with asthma.

With that said, check the mold situation of your home routinely. You can seek the aid of a professional for this. You’ll also know that fungi thrive in some areas of your home if you can see peeling, water intrusion, and discoloration.

Another sign is when some areas in your home produce faint smells. Ask a mold specialist to inspect your home if you’re already dealing with physical symptoms like rashes, dry eyes, coughing, and sneezing.

 

#3 Unregulated Temperature

Unregulated temperatures may also be one of those signs your house is making you sick.

Note that if your home has an unregulated temperature, your body may need to adjust to the hot and cold temperature continually, disrupting the supply of blood to your heart. Ensure that all rooms in your home have the same temperature. This will prevent your body from making constant adjustments each time you go to another room.

Your home’s central heating system may also damage your eyes’ natural oil gland, causing dryness and eye infection. It can also trigger frequent coughing, especially at night.

In this case, installing a Whole Home Humidifier can help you breathe easier or eliminate dry eyes, nose, and throat when you wake up in the morning. It can easily be added to an air heating system.

Unlike humidifiers that use a reservoir where water can stagnate, a flow-through humidifier will provide humidity without creating a breeding ground for mold or mildew.

 

#4 Indoor Leaks

Leaks can also trigger mold growth. This is problematic, especially if you are prone to asthma and other breathing problems induced by allergies.

A wise tip is to check your closets, attics, basements, and pipes regularly. Make sure they’re dry. If there are leaks, clean the particular area where water accumulates and fix the problem. Seeking the aid of a professional roofer or plumber is also advisable.

Five Quick Ways to Reduce Your Toxic Load

 

Toxic load can be considered an immense stressor to the immune system and even affects our mental state.

As we have discussed above, toxic load refers to several toxins accumulated by an individual from various sources such as processed foods, the environment (air and water), alcohol, household and personal care products, and even from stress and negative emotions.

It’s something that’s impossible to avoid, especially in this advanced and modern world. Still, that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be able to do anything. 

 

1. Drink plenty of water

Drinking more than eight glasses of water every day helps to flush toxins from your body.

By drinking plenty of water, your body will be able to release toxins through sweat, tears, and urine. However, you should ensure that the water you drink is pure and filtered – in other words, only get water from safe sources.

 

2. Eliminate artificial flavorings

Artificial flavorings and sweeteners have a harmful effect on our health, especially when used frequently. They may cause dizziness, seizures, fatigue, chest pain, allergies, headaches, nausea, brain damage, and much more.

In addition to that, such substances may also induce genetic defects, bladder cancer, tumors, and many other types of cancers. Instead of using artificial flavorings, use organic or natural flavorings such as raw honey or maple syrup or herbs and spices for your diet.

 

3. Eliminate preservatives and additives

Food preservatives and additives are used by food manufacturers to keep their offerings “fresh” for a long period. Processed foods such as bacon, tinned vegetables, chips, ready-to-eat meals, and sodas typically contain such harmful chemicals. 

When we take in too many of these, developing all sorts of diseases becomes more likely. In this case, it is vital to think twice before consuming processed foods.

Besides, nothing can beat the health benefits and taste you get from natural and organic whole foods.

 

4. Choose Organic As Much as Possible

Bacteria and chemicals are commonly found in our daily food products. For this reason, make sure to opt for organic produce as much as possible. 

For meat and poultry, go for those that come from organic, pasture-fed animals. You might also want to seek products that aren’t contaminated with hormones and antibiotics. When it comes to fish, it should be fresh and not farm-raised.

Consuming fresh and organic meat, fish, and poultry prevents the further accumulation of toxins in the body. Or why not skip the animal products and opt for clean, organic, plant-based products instead?

 

5. Detox your mind, heart, and spirit

Detox, regardless of the specific approach you’ll choose, has a good effect on the body. Consider doing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. These activities help reduce stress and anxiety, meaning they prevent free radicals from overtaking your system.

As you might already know, free radicals also serve as toxins (albeit affecting different bodily systems at the DNA level).

Now that you’re aware of those quick and easy means of cutting your toxic load, you have everything you need to reduce your body’s burden. Remember that the sooner you act, the faster your health and overall well-being will improve.

 A Healthy 10-day Body Reset to DETOX your Body from Harmful Chemicals

 

Detox or ‘detoxification’ has been around since humans first became civilized. It is a very natural way of getting rid of harmful pollutants that may have built up in our bodies. Additionally, these can be external factors – such as pollutants from car exhausts, smoke, or pesticides – or internal factors coming from our metabolism.

Every day people are subjected to toxins that build up in their bodies. When this happens, the poor old kidneys and liver have to handle lots of ‘foreign’ matter, in other words: the ‘terrible toxins’.

Additionally, this can make people more susceptible to stress and illness. So, if you are constantly feeling as if you are stressed out and tired, then a detox program could certainly help you regain some balance.

Sometimes people are scared of ‘detoxing’ because they think that it will mean going without food for the entire process. 

Detoxing shouldn’t be as extreme as drinking water and an occasional shot of lemon juice for 10 days. Detoxing is simply a way of nourishing the body with whole foods to give the internal organs some breathing space to recharge and continue to operate as they should.

During the 10 days, you will learn just how to detox safely, with minimum discomfort so that your body becomes clean, pure and is returned as close as possible to its optimum state of well-being.

The program gives you information on why you should detox from time to time and which organs are involved. Daily menus and exercises are described to guide you through this healthy detoxification. The program is designed so that everybody can handle the process, with a minimum of discomfort.

Try it out! You’ll feel the energy and your skin will look refreshed, renewed, and much more relaxed than it has for years. And you might even lose some pounds!

is your lifestyle or home making you sick? What are you going to do about it? Share you detoxing tips and trick in the comment box below!

Amy Goodrich is a certified holistic nutritional therapist and former plant biologist. Her mission: inspiring people to adopt a more natural lifestyle to prevent/cure illness. Through her blog, Amy shares her own experiences with managing her husband's autoimmune disease through the power of whole foods. EatLove.Live covers strategies for doing so, with posts about how to gradually change your lifestyle. Amy is obsessed with cats, travel, and delicious plant-based foods that nourish and heal the body from the inside out.