You might be wondering what is a toxic load and why do I need to reduce it?

We all ingest toxins every day in the foods we eat, the air we breath and what we put on our skin. If we are not detoxing properly many of these toxins stay in our body, therefore creating a toxic load in the body that can lead to illness.

Our society is full of chemicals and toxins. They are in our food, in our air and the many products we buy. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that at least 300 toxins are detected in the blood of newborn babies and over 700 chemicals in adults. Not only do we carry these toxins around with us, but we pass them on to future generations.

Signs that you are toxic:

• Fatigue
• Food allergies
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Gas and bloating
• Overweight

Ways to reduce your toxic load

• Reduce your intake of heavy metals, pesticides and fertilizers by eating organic produce, using a water purifier and eliminating chemicals in your home. Opt for unscented natural cleaning products, no VOC Paint ( Volatile Organic Compounds) avoid wearing heavily scented perfumes and body products, make up and using home deodorizers.
• Incorporate detoxing foods- green tea, kombucha, fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, cruciferous vegetables ( broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts) onions and garlic.
• Take supplements- Vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine and milk thistle
• Drink lots of purified water throughout the day
• Attach a water purification unit to your shower
• Test for food sensitivities and remove the offending foods
• Find out if you have a leaky or unhealthy gut- antibiotics and eating The Standard American Diet can lead to poor gut flora, which can then lead to disease
• Cut out sugar and limit alcohol consumption
• Exercise- yoga, pilates, tai chi, or rebounding
• Saunas- having an infrared sauna after exercising is a super way to remove toxins from the body
• Calming the body and mind with meditation

Enjoy this tasty detox pesto recipe

Cilantro Pesto

4 cloves of garlic

1/3 cup Brazil nuts

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1/3 cup pumpkin seeds

2 cups packed cilantro or parsley

2/3 cup flaxseed oil

4 tbsp lemon juice

Process the coriander and oil in blender until coriander is chopped. Add garlic, nuts and seeds lemon juice and process until a fine paste. Serve with baked spaghetti squash.

What are the many ways you help your body to detox? Share in the comments below.