TOXINS
A toxin is a poisonous substance produced by living cells or organisms that is active at very low concentrations.
Where Do Toxins Come From?
Toxins can be small molecules, peptides, or proteins and are capable of causing disease on contact or absorption with body tissues by interacting with biological macromolecules such as enzymes or cellular receptors. Toxins vary greatly in their severity, ranging from usually minor and acute (as in a bee sting) to almost immediately deadly (as in botulinum toxin).
Food – There are major concerns over the 3000 + chemicals which are used and found in our processed and packaged foods today. Many of them are classified as additives; others are leaked into food from agricultural practices, manufacturing processes and equipment, packaging and even the cooking utensils we use.
Environment – We have known about toxins invading our living spaces for years. Pollution, toxic buildings, chemicals in the home, allergens in the air are all impacting our ability to live well. It just doesn’t stop and it won’t as long as the majority of the human population continutes to grow and demand convenient, fast paced and gadget-filled lifestyles.
Lifestyle – The fast paced, “got to have it all” lifestyle has a major impact on how and what we put into our bodies. We are gobbling up a lot of processed, convenient foods filled with unhealthy additives. Our bodies are quickly becoming incapable of keeping up.
Our Bodies – Our bodies produce toxins naturally as a by-product of natural processes. Normally, we are well equipped to deal with these as many are excreted through our body’s elimination processes. Some toxins are stored in fat and our joints making them more difficult to process. These tend to “build up” and prohibit our natural ability to detox.
While it is impossible to eliminate exposure to toxins, you can reduce the load and prevent build up in the body. Becoming educated about what and where you are exposed to toxins is the first step. The act of detoxification can then optimize the body to help it fight disease and heal.