If you are aware of the many toxins around us, your first question is probably: how do I avoid them? While complete avoidance is not always possible, there are simple steps you can take to significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful substances.
For more information on toxins, please refer to our previous blog: What are summer toxins and how do they affect your health?
Here are some practical tips to protect yourself from toxins, especially during the summer months:
- Choose organic food
Organic eating can help avoid many of the chemicals, antibiotics, and fertilizers used in conventional agricultural products. Especially for products on the “dirty dozen list” such as strawberries, spinach, apples, and bell peppers, it is advisable to choose organic options due to their high pesticide concentration. The “dirty dozen list” is a list compiled annually by the Environmental Working Group and shows which fruits and vegetables contain the most pesticides.
- Avoid plastic and cans when storing and heating food
Plastic packaging can release tiny particles that end up in your food, especially when heated. Try to store food in plastic containers as little as possible and preferably use glass containers. Also, bring your own reusable mug or thermos for hot drinks to avoid plastic cups.
- Choose natural personal care products
Many personal care products contain toxins that you'd rather avoid. Sunscreen products alone contain a considerable list of toxic substances:
- Oxybenzone
- Sulisobenzone
- Enzacamene
- Homosalate (Homomenthyl Salicylate)
- Octinoxate (Octylmethoxycinnamate)
- Octocrylene
- Padimate O (Para-aminobenzoic acid or Paba)
Consider natural alternatives for sunscreen, makeup, deodorant, shampoo, and other personal care products. There are now many natural variants available that are just as effective without harmful chemicals.
- Use natural cleaning products
Avoid cleaning and laundry detergents that are full of chemicals. Instead, opt for natural alternatives such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These are just as effective and much friendlier to the environment and your health.
- Install a water filter
Our drinking water can also contain toxins, such as antibiotics and endocrine disruptors. Therefore, consider installing a water filter on your tap to remove these harmful substances and ensure clean and safe drinking water.
By applying these simple tips, you can effectively protect yourself from toxins and improve your health, not only in summer but all year round.
6. Last but not least: Nourish your body with antioxidants
In addition to avoiding toxins, supporting your body with the right nutrients is an essential step in protecting against harmful substances and free radicals.
Personal advice
While nutrition is an important source of antioxidants, you may not always get enough to meet your daily needs. Supplements can be a useful addition to ensure your body gets all the necessary nutrients. Do you want to know which supplements can support you well this summer? Then request our personal supplement advice so that one of our therapists can specifically look at your lifestyle, complaints, and wishes. This way, you can be sure that you are taking the right supplements, combinations, and dosages!
