Solutions for Reducing Your Toxic Load
by Bonnie Minsky MA, MPH, LDN, CNS  & Steve Minsky


Introduction
Unless you live in a bubble, toxins are a part of life. They are in the food we eat and the liquids we drink, the air we breathe, and the products we put on our skin. Science is finally recognizing that our overwhelming toxic load is a contributing factor to every human health issue. Part of this is because of the depth of toxic exposure. The other part is that many humans have genetic flaws that impede them from detoxifying toxins properly. Now more than ever, one must be vigilant in developing an all-encompassing lifestyle approach to detoxification for healthy aging and disease prevention.

While we have little control over the air we breathe, we have control over almost everything else. Prioritize what are the most important ways to reduce your toxic load and to optimally detoxify. Here are a list of tips. The list is long, an indication of what our bodies are up against on a daily basis. We encourage any of your suggestions as well!


Challenge? Solution?

Challenge? Smoking
Solution? A no-brainer...Quit.

Challenge? Diet 
Solution? Improve at your own pace. 
Eat real food, not processed. Eat balanced (refer to our Circle of Health Food Chart). Eat organic whenever possible to limit pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide consumption. Avoid irradiated, virally adulterated, antibiotic, hormone, nitrate, and nitrite-laden foods. Avoid foods that contain preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and monosodium glutamate. Limit consumption of charred or heavily grilled foods because many of us cannot genetically detoxify the carcinogenic chemicals that charring produces. Consume "safe" seafood that is low in heavy metals and PCB's. Limit sugar and salt consumption. Discover any food allergies or intolerances you may have.

Challenge? Exercise
Solution? Just do it!
Whether doing isometrics at your desk, walking 10,000 steps daily, exercising 3-5 days weekly, or doing marathons, exercise is very important to the detoxification process.

Challenge? Stress
Solution? Reduce it.
We all know about stress. We just need to discover the best ways for us as individuals to reduce it and stick with it!

Challenge? Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke
Solution? Find ways to completely avoid.
Second-hand smoke can be just as deadly as direct smoking. So, if you have to get help for a friend or family member, it should be a priority...your life may depend on it!

Challenge? Prescription Medication
Solution? Work with your physician to curtail or eliminate any medication that is not absolutely essential.
Finding ways to do this will force you to stop masking symptoms and get to the root of your health issues, while also lessening your toxic load. You are helping your fellow man because what your body doesn't use eventually makes its way into the water supply! It is understood that some conditions require lifetime medication intake. However, before considering any medication, ask your doctor if a genetic test can be run to see if compatible. Pharmacogenetic testing for genetic compatibility is growing (already exists for meds such as aspirin and warfarin).

Challenge? Recreational Drugs
Solution? Quit.
If you have trouble doing it yourself, seek out professional help while incorporating integrative modalities such as acupuncture, medication, nutrient supplementation, and many other detoxification therapies.

Challenge? Clean Drinking Water
Solution? Install a filter.
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars per year on expensive bottled water. Install a whole house, faucet, or Brita-type filter on your tap water source. Some of the most popular bottled water brands use tap water anyway! Contact your local water department for water toxicology reports which are published every year. Then you'll know exactly how clean your water really is. Also, if you do not do the whole-house filter, consider installing shower filters that remove chlorine (when chlorinated water gets hot, it emits toxic chloroform gas.

Challenge? Synthetic Household Products including Dishwasher & Washer/Dryer Products
Solution? Use only eco-friendly, chemical-free.
A recent study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using conventional household cleaning sprays and air fresheners could account for as many as 15% of adult asthma cases in the United Kingdom. Click here for our recently updated, extensive Safe Household Products List.

Challenge? Synthetic Cosmetics
Solution? Use chemical-Free, all natural cosmetics.
The cosmetics industry has already made a major move in this direction. By looking a bit deeper than your local department store, you'll find many companies that make organic cosmetics as well.

Challenge? Synthetic Salon Products such as Hair Dyes, Manicure and Pedicure Solutions
Solution? Use chemical-Free, all natural alternatives.
Your salon professional gets this request all the time...so speak up!

Challenge? Synthetic Soap, Bath, and Skin Moisturizing Products
Solution? Use chemical-free, all natural, or organic.
These products are much further along than the cosmetics industry. These products are very easy to find nowadays.

Challenge? Dry-Cleaning 
Solution? Use a service that is PERC-free (tetracholoroethylene).
While eco-friendly dry cleaners are starting to crop up, the number one priority is to avoid PERC, which is a devastatingly deadly chemical used by most dry-cleaners.

Challenge? Synthetic Pesticides, Herbicides, Fertilizers
Solution? Purchase natural, eco-friendly options for your indoor/outdoor plants and lawn care.
These products are readily available. You are not just helping yourself, but many others by preventing seepage of these toxins into the groundwater supply. If you want to get really green, the Internet or an eco-friendly landscape consultant can give you a multitude of good ideas.

Challenge? Synthetic Insecticides and Animal Poisons
Solution? Purchase natural, eco-friendly options.
Many independent animal/pest contractors can give you advice. If you use their services, specify that you do not want chemicals or poisons used. 

Challenge? Indoor Air Quality
Solution? Recycle the air.
Set the fan timer to recycle the air inside your residence several or more times daily (you may need a digital temperature gauge for this). This greatly improves air quality and removes airborne toxins that build up in your home. Indoor air is notoriously dirtier than outdoor air. If weather permits, open your windows. However, with airborne allergic individuals, air recycling is the preferred option, especially if you change the air filters once per month. Duct cleaning every 3-5 years is also a good idea.

Challenge? Mold
Solution? Take the necessary steps to make sure your home is mold-free.
This is crucial because it can create many health issues, including impaired detoxification. Getting rid of mold that you can see and smell is a no-brainer. Addressing the mold that you can't see is even more important. There are companies that specialize in mold detection. While expensive, utilizing their services every five years or so is a good idea.

Challenge? Cell-Phones & Wireless Devices
Solution? Use only when necessary.
For many of us, limiting the use of cell phones and wireless devices is an impossibility. The harmful effects that electromagnetic radiation may create is a chance we have to take, right? If you are one of these people, think about using the speakerphone option, keeping your phone as far from your body as possible. You can also find a headset or phone casing that reduces radiation emissions (these do exist). 

Challenge? Microwaves
Solution? Try to limit microwave use for just defrosting or warming, not cooking. Also, make sure that you never microwave in plastic and that door is well sealed.

Challenge? Synthetic Paints, Varnishes, and Home-Building Materials.
Solution? Go green (or eco-friendly).
Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or you hire someone else's services, use safe and natural products. These products are much easier to attain than they used to be. Contractors/painters/etc. are used to getting these requests! One suggestion: if using wood for an addition or new home, please request wood that is not treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) which is arsenic. Also, make sure that none of the wood in your house or office is coated in lead paint. You will find this in older structures and antique furniture.

Challenge? Exposure to Plastics
Solution? Limit the use of plastics that contain Phthalates and Bisphenol-A, in particular.
Plastics are everywhere and will not be going away any time soon. However, they can act as xenoestrogens (the cancer-causing ones). Whenever possible and not too time-consuming or life-altering, use alternatives to plastic. Bisphenol-A is used in a variety of everyday products like eyeglass lenses, reusable food and drink containers and consumer electronics. Phthalates are chiefly used to turn polyvinyl chloride from a hard plastic into a flexible plastic (soft plastics such as Saran Wrap).

Challenge? Dental Amalgams that contain mercury
Solution? Consider having them removed. 
Avoid getting any amalgams (other materials are available). If you already have amalgams, consult a dentist who has experience removing them safely. Old, leaky amalgams emit Mercury vapor and during removal can be very toxic (airborne mercury is the most toxic form).

Challenge? High Voltage Electrical Wires/Towers
Solution? If you live anywhere near them, think about moving. 
There is research showing increased incidents of cancer in residents living a certain proximity from these devices (constant exposure to 50/60Hz magnetic fields..

Challenge? Vaccinations
Solution? Choose carefully. 
Read vaccine inserts to see which contain heavy metals (mercury and aluminum), formaldehyde, antibiotics, and other chemicals. If egg allergic, check to see which ones are egg-free.

Challenge? Lack of Control Over My Toxic Workplace
Solution? Create an environmental toxin checklist.
Start lobbying the decision makers to make changes as well as taking matters into your own hands. For example:

    Office Setting:
    -if you are in front of a computer all day: use rock salt lamp to diffuse positive ions and purify air from harmful emissions
    -take time to stretch, exercise, isometrics, etc.
    -if your office have fluorescent lights, switch to the natural light fluorescents which improve mood and overall well-being
    -eco-friendly cleaning supplies
    -take extra vitamin D for lack of sun exposure
    -have proper exhaust in place near copiers and exhaust-emitting office machinery
    -limit inhalation of office products such as White-Out or Sharpies

    Construction:
    -wear breathing mask to reduce inhalation of toxic chemicals, tar, airborne sediments, etc.
    -enhance your daily detoxification with nutrients such as silymarin and alpha lipoic acid that nourish the liver and kidneys
    -avoid sunscreen that contain estrogen-producing chemicals; use zinc or titanium dioxide as active ingredient

    Flight Attendant:
    -because you are constantly breathing in "dirty air," consider buying a hyperbaric chamber or take an oxygen supplement
    -when sleeping at home, use a HEPA air cleaner/purifier in your bedroom
    -supplement with the Co-EnzymeQ10 to enhance oxygenation of the blood and promote proper organ function at high altitudes
    -keeping a balanced biorhythm through multiple time zones is difficult, so low dose melatonin may be a good idea
    -immune boosters are of critical importance in the tight confines of an airplane
 
    Hospital Worker:
    -constant exposure to pathogens make diet and healthy intestinal flora crucial; use high dose probiotics and immune boosters

    Sales with Frequent Auto Travel:
    -keep windows up to avoid car exhaust in stop-and-go traffic
    -pull over periodically and walk around and stretch your muscles
    -keep balanced snacks in the car and bring meals from home if need be; stay away from fast food
    -for traffic-related stress: play for mood enhancing music, meditation CD's, or calming audio books

    Landscaper:
    -limit use of synthetic chemicals because constant inhalation and absorption through the skin can be damaging
    -supplement your lifestyle with major detoxification-supporting modalities listed below


Diagnostic tests to gauge toxic load:

-Hair analysis for heavy metal, chemical load
-24 hour Urine Toxicology
-Blood analysis for heavy metal, chemical load
-Complete hormone panel including levels of bad estrogen (important for men and women)
-Genetic tests for compromised detoxification pathways and medication incompatibility
-Food Allergy/Food Intolerance testing


Detoxification Modalities:

Acupuncture
Bioenergy Work
Body Work such as Massage and Reiki
Detox Foot Pads or Baths
Exercise
Far Infrared Therapy (FIR) -
Heating of the tissues enhances metabolic processes; viruses and toxin-laden cells are weaker than normal cells and tolerate heat poorly. FIR heats the body while keeping the air cool. FIR enhances circulation, oxygenates the tissues, and restores the skin's elimination capacities. There is no quicker method to remove toxic chemicals and heavy metals. It effectively removes pesticides and solvents. FIR is the only way to release phthalates from the cell. They cannot be chelated out of the body and no drugs remove them. FIR is also helpful for a multitude of health related symptoms such as congestive heart failure, depression, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, yeast imbalance, neurological disorders, etc.
Food/Diet - 
Specific foods that have been found to aid in detoxification are avocado, artichokes, flaxseed (pulverized), omega 3-rich fish, olive oil and nuts/seeds. Phytochemicals (from fruits & vegetables; in particular, cruciferous fare, such as broccoli) are highly recommended.
Oral DMSA or IV Chelation Therapy
Rock Salt Lamps -
Neutralizes positive ions and noxious emissions from electronics and computers.
Smart Detox 3-Day Action Plan - 
We created this easy to follow guide to perform every six months.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation -
Epigenetic/Methylation-friendly nutrients such as Actifolate, AdvaClear, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Chlorella, Glutathione/NAC, Green Tea, Magnesium, Omega-3 Fish Oil, Vitamin D from Cod Liver Oil or natural D3, and Zinc.


Conclusion
Avoiding toxicity seems overwhelming, but "Rome wasn't built in a day." Keep in mind that making lifestyle changes is an ever-changing, ongoing battle with yourself and your environment. You need to do what you are capable of and keep building upon that. If you feel you cannot do it on your own, and friends and family are not enough, let us help. We can help gauge your total toxic load and create solutions that work for you. As always, have a happy, healthy day.


Related Resource Materials (2007 only)

Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle During Middle-Age
Avocados Linked To Reducing Oral Cancer
California Bans Phthalates in Children's Products
Cancer Panel Attacks US Subsidies
Cancer/Sugar Association
Chemicals Contribute to Obesity
Cod Liver Oil Lowers Breast Cancer Risk
Cruciferous veggies stars in the cancer fight
Do Meds Deplete Your Essential Nutrients?
Epigenetic Differences During Lifetime Occur in Twins
Epigenetics One of NIH's Roadmaps for future
Epigenetics Providing a New View of Diet and Cancer
Fruit/Veggies Slash Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Is My Food Safe (food safety)?
Lignans Reduce Breast-Cancer Risk
Limit Cancer-Causing Compounds When Grilling Meat
More Vitamin D Could Mean Fewer Cancers
Omega 3 = Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk
Parkinson's and Pesticide Link
Prevent Chronic Disease: Part I
Prevent Chronic Disease: Part II
Radiofrequency exposure near high-voltage lines.
Red, Processed Meat Double's Breast-Cancer Risk
Safe Household Products List
Second Aspartame Study Revealed
Sunscreen Ingredients Shown to Mimic Estrogen
Toxic Food (food intolerances)
Vaccines, drugs, and biologic compounds that contain mercury additives
Vaccine Survey Produces Sobering Results

Disclaimer: This column is for information only and no part of its contents should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. It is always a good idea to consult a health professional before making any dietary and nutrient changes.

© 2007 Nutritional Concepts, Inc.