It’s fair to say that we live in a pretty toxic world right now. Even before the Industrial Revolution, there were toxins we were exposed to. However, many consider the Industrial Revolution to be a major turning point in our exposure to toxins and the negative impact they have on cellular physiology and human health. During this period there was an epidemic of exposure to metal intoxication and especially chronic lead poisoning. Scientists and physicians of the time began to identify specific symptoms and organ changes directly related to lead toxicity.
And while awareness and the harmful effects of this exposure increased over time, and limits were placed on what was considered safe exposure to these elements, some would argue that even the low limits we are exposed to today , the body is not equipped to handle the multitude of exposures to a wide range of toxins we face today.
And here we have only mentioned exposure to metals and minerals, but it seems that there is an endless list of chemicals that act as mild to major toxins in our bodies, which come from the production, use and processing of man-made chemicals. are used in various industries, including those in the agricultural sector, which often end up on or in our food products.
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The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which regulates more than 80,000 chemicals in its database (yes, you read that number correctly), does not require most chemicals to be tested for safety before being approved for widespread use. Less than half of the 3,000 high-volume chemicals on the market have toxicity data, while less than a fifth have toxicity test data on effects on developing organs. (Reference: Tests find more than 200 chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of newborns)
In a study commissioned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), five laboratories studied the umbilical cord blood of ten babies of African American, Hispanic and Asian descent and found more than 200 chemicals. We are literally born toxic and that toxicity increases over our lives depending on the environment in which we live, work, recreate and through the food we eat, the liquids we consume and the air we breathe.
While this all sounds scary and disturbing, and it is, know that our bodies have a number of ways to deal with toxins, through cleansing and detoxification, as well as through storage in cells. The main elimination and detoxification routes are through our liver, kidneys and digestive tract, as well as through our lungs and skin. Transformation and detoxification of compounds occur in several stages through our liver, to make these compounds more soluble and less toxic (although some intermediates are more toxic) and therefore easier to excrete through the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs and skin.
As with all things health, we refer back to the basics for optimal health, including exposure to nature, fresh air and sunlight, daily exercise and exercise, adequate and healthy sleep, and having stress-reducing activities, or whether it concerns meditation, yoga or deep relaxation. -breathing techniques. To support cleansing and detoxification, we also want to encourage sweating, either through exercise or the use of saunas, as sweating helps us remove toxins and waste products through our skin. The final and most important foundation, which can dramatically support proper detoxification and elimination, is our diet.
The processes and phases of detoxification through the liver require a number of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to support the enzymatic transformation of substances in the body. If a diet lacks these nutrients, our ability to cleanse and eliminate can seriously suffer and further tax the body. Furthermore, if the diet is poor and results in poor motility and elimination in the digestive tract, some of these biotransformed substances are reabsorbed and recirculated throughout the body.
Finally, in addition to the above-mentioned basic dietary and lifestyle factors that can support and enhance our cleansing and detoxing abilities, we can also look to our herbal allies in the plant world. There are herbs that have affinities for supporting the healthy function of each of our organs and elimination pathways. The focus of herbs for cleansing tends to center on individual herbs or formulas to optimize liver function. However, we cannot forget to support our digestive system, our kidneys, our lungs, our skin and, lastly and most importantly, our lymphatic system (which aids in its removal from the body). The good thing about most of our plant remedies is that they support multiple systems of the body and provide broad support.
The list of herbs that support cleansing and detoxification can become quite large and extensive and so I will list a handful of well-known and beloved herbal helpers, including alfalfa, artichoke, baptisia, barberry, blue flag, burdock, cleavers, celery seed, coriander, dandelion, echinacea , gotu kola, milk thistle, nettles, red clover, red carrot, sarsaparilla and schisandra. Whether these herbs are used in teas, tinctures, or capsules, they can all play a supportive role for the body.
You can find some of these beneficial herbs in some of our WishGarden formulas to aid in cleansing and detoxification: Deep Cleanse Reset & Flourish, Lymph Mover Activation Formula, Liver Strength, Kidney Strength Daily Support, Clear Complexion the Blemish Buster, and of natural Badass Bitters Digestive Aid and Digestive Rescue GI Normalizer for digestive support.
Dr. Shawn Manske, ND is a registered naturopathic doctor in the state of Colorado. He attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and received his degree and initial license in Ontario, where he worked in clinical practice before moving to Colorado. Dr. Shawn is currently a Senior Educator and Territory Accounts Manager for WishGarden Herbs. He has a passion and love for teaching herbal medicine and especially loves bitters.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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