TOXINS - What are toxins?
“Toxins” is a term we hear and read about everyday. We know they are bad for us, we know we should avoid them - but how much do we know about what “they” are and what are they doing to our bodies?
Merriam-Webster defines a toxin as “a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation” which isn’t really much help at all.
There are two main types of toxins - exogenous and endogenous toxins.
Exogenous toxins are chemicals which are produced outside of your body and can harm cells if inhaled, absorbed or ingested. The most common exogenous toxins are things such as recreational drugs, MSG, aspartame and any over-the-counter or prescription drug that warns the use of which may lead to liver damage. The easiest way to avoid subjecting our bodies to exogenous toxins is to avoid any contact where possible with the above examples.
Endogenous toxins are those which are produced within out bodies, some of which are waste products of normal metabolic activities - like lactic acid, carbon monoxide and urea. Generally, your body is well equipped to deal with these toxins and dispose of them naturally.
However, a very common source of endogenous toxins in the body is an unhealthy digestive system. A poor diet, or one which is full of refined foods can lead to an unhealthy balance of microorganisms in your gastrointestinal tract. Our bodies now have to work to eliminate these toxins. Symptoms such as a skin rash, a persistent cough, nasal congestion and diarrhea can all be signs that your body is working overtime to expel the toxins in your system.
If our bodies are continually exposed to endogenous toxins, our next defense is to store these toxins in our fat tissues, as they are less vital to our survival than other tissue (such as ligaments or muscles). As time goes on, our bodies will also store toxins in connective tissue (leading to aches and pains, serious diseases such as cancer, arthritis and other auto-immune diseases). o2living juices cleanses will help flush many of these toxins out of our system.
So put simply, toxins are the by-product and build up of a bad diet and exposure to harmful chemicals. Our bodies natural instinct is do everything in its power to combat the toxins, but can only do so much.
Tips to avoid toxins
- Purchase and consume as much organic produce and free-range, organic food as possible.
- Avoid processed foods - as they are processed with chemicals
- Seek to build your health through nutrition and eliminate your use of drugs (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Read the labels of your food products. Avoid foods with MSG or aspartame found in diet soda's and other common supermarket products.
Why Juice Cleanse
You will feel so much better when you juice cleanse. Whether as routine maintenance or a kick start to a new you, a short juice cleanse will help you achieve a better, cleaner body and a younger, brighter appearance. You wil have removed the toxins and you will be supplying your body with a dramatic increase in vitamins, minerals and live enzymes.
Give your body a break and try a juice cleanse to clear out your digestive system!
Sources: www.drbenkim.com www.afmhealth.com