Unless you live at the top of a mountain, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you are surrounded by low-level toxins. They are the result of modern traffic, habits, and industrial activities, which makes them impossible to avoid.
In the short term, exposure to low-level toxins doesn’t cause much harm, but they can build up in time and impact your health and wellness in unpredictable ways.
But, hey, there’s good news, too! We’re not doomed to live in an environment that is slowly degrading our health. There are things you and I can do to protect our well-being and live a healthy and happy life.
Every road to action starts with awareness, so I put together this guide to raise awareness of low-level toxins that surround us and how we can minimize exposure. I’ll also talk about available options for those who have already been impacted by long-term exposure.
Common Sources of Low-Level Toxins
If you live in a city, you take your “daily dose of toxins” from outdoor air pollution and unfiltered tap water.
And no, staying indoors doesn’t help!
Your home also contains problematic elements, such as tobacco smoke, mold, dust, and chemical-laden cleaning supplies. Spend enough time in this type of environment, and you may end up with respiratory problems.
Older buildings or renovation projects may expose you to asbestos, whether you’re a construction worker or a homeowner. Some people also risk asbestos exposure at work, which is dangerous since it can lead to a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Mesothelioma.
Some food preservatives, artificial colors, and flavorings are also considered low-level toxins, as are the BPA and phthalates that can leak from plastic packaging materials.
The same is true about everyday items like shampoos, lotions, and household cleaners – they may contain harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing agents.
These may lead to hormone imbalances, weakened immune function, or chronic illnesses.
What Can You Do?
First, it’s important to remain calm. Low-level toxins have been around for a while, and there’s no way to live in a 100% sterile environment. However, there are things you can do to limit exposure.
Here are some tips to ensure your home is toxin-free (as much as possible):
- Choose natural or organic cleaning and personal care products – Plant-based or organic alternatives with minimal ingredients are a great option. Look for eco-labels or certifications to ensure products are non-toxic.
- Prioritize whole and unprocessed foods – Focus on fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. Store food in glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic.
- Improve the air quality inside the house – Use air purifiers with HEPA filters, add air-purifying houseplants like peace lilies or spider plants, and get in the habit of opening windows to improve ventilation.
- Filter your drinking water – A high-quality water filter, such as a carbon or reverse osmosis system, helps reduce impurities.
- Avoid high-pollution areas – Traffic-heavy roads or industrial areas are bad for your lungs. If you can’t avoid them, wear a mask to reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
Options If You’ve Already Been Impacted
Now that you are aware of the dangers hiding in your environment, it’s time to assess your current health and well-being by talking to your doctor.
If you’re one of the unlucky ones who had to suffer through asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. If you or a loved one suffers from Mesothelioma because of this, talk with an experienced lawyer for Mesothelioma claims and check your chances. It won’t bring your health back, but it may ease up the heavy burden of medical bills.
You should also consider adopting a detox-supportive diet and lifestyle. This involves foods rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens) and liver-supporting nutrients (garlic, turmeric, lemon water).
Drink plenty of water to aid in flushing toxins from your system. Add to this regular exercise and sauna sessions to sweat out any toxins that may be in your system.
Wrap Up
Our bodies are designed to withstand small amounts of toxins from the environment. However, the modern lifestyle can hinder these systems through sedentarism and unhealthy eating habits. So, clean your environment, but also clean your diet and way of life to stay healthy and happy for a long time!
