08 Oct How to reduce toxicity and support your body in warding off cancer

Most of us think cancer is the result of having drawn the poor genetics lottery ticket. Now, while cancer, unfortunately, accounts for approximately 1 in every 4 deaths – the astounding piece of the puzzle is that it doesn’t have to be a ticking time bomb that goes off when your luck has run out. Yes, cancer is the cause of DNA mutations, which sounds like something that’s hardwired into your genes. But did you know your body has the ability to rewire your genes? It’s called epigenetics and has to do with changing the way your genes express themselves.

A recent study suggests that in fact between 70 and 90 percent of cancers are linked to lifestyle choices not a glum streak of luck. The interesting link lies in the damaging toxins our bodies are exposed to daily. If you think you’re fine because you’re not puffing carcinogens into your lunch, think again. The critters end up in a host of unwelcome places, everything from the air you breathe to the cosmetics and home products you invite into your home.

Toxins not only weaken your immune system, but they’re highly inflammatory too, causing damage to your endocrine system in the brain, scrambling up your hormones and disturbing your reproductive system. The amazing news is your body CAN heal itself. You see, your cells know how to “get rid of” mutated or possibly faulty cells by essentially ‘self-detonating’ or ‘committing suicide’ from the inside out, by means of apoptosis.

Cancerous cells are the ones that have damage to their DNA and thus cannot self-destruct. But by beginning the intentional journey towards developing healthy home habits and eliminating your exposure to toxins as far as possible, you can begin to reduce the toxic load on your system.

A body not overburdened with fighting toxin-induced cellular damage is able to eliminate toxins naturally. So by focusing on cutting out the toxic sources in your home and cleaning up your environment, as well as fueling your system with nutrient dense clean foods, you are superbly well primed to strengthening any predisposition to cancer.

Don’t dread the C-word when you’re well within your power to do something about it. We’re here to help you on the road to empowered wellness.

Here are some places you can begin cutting out toxins

1. Simplify Your Cleaning Supplies

AVOID:

• Toxins in household chemical cleaners have been linked to reproductive & developmental problems
• Mold cleaners & air fresheners show the greatest correlation with breast cancer

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Bicarb mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar works well for drains and bathtubs
• Make simple kitchen scrub with bicarb and lavender essential oil
• Vinegar, liquid castile soap, essential oils and water mixed

2. Ditch the BPAs

AVOID:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates (found in plastics)
• Both link to cancer, endocrine problems, hormone imbalance & reproductive issues
• These toxins leach into drinking water & foods over time

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Choose glass items for storage
• Say no to plastic water bottles
• Stainless Steel is a safe and durable alternative

3. Clean up your water

AVOID:

• Toxic disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in municipally treated water (formed when chlorine or chloramine disinfectants react with organic matter in water)
• Trihalomethanes (THMs), common DBPs, are Cancer Group B carcinogens (shown to cause cancer)
• THMs are linked to reproductive problems in animals & humans
• DBPs are over 1,000 times more toxic than chlorine

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Invest in water filters for your tap and shower
• Shower filters help prevent toxic gases from filling the air
• Also add shine to skin and hair
• Try adding slices of peeled orange to water pitchers to help neutralize chloramine in about 30 minutes
• Dissolve a 1,000-mg vitamin C tablet into bath water to neutralize chloramine

4. Ditch Non-stick cookware

AVOID:

• Pans with non-stick coating that contain PFOA(perfluorooctanoic acid) or perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)
•  Fluoride-impregnated coating in all non-stick or grease resistant pans
• When heated the coating begins breaking down, releasing toxins

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Choose non-stick surfaces certified as nickel and PFOA-free
• Cook on cast iron pots and pans

5. Eat whole foods

AVOID:

• Processed foods
• Packaged foods
• Non-organically farmed with pesticides
• If your liver is unable to neutralize and detox them they are stored in fat tissue
• Eventually contribute to cellular damage and abnormalities

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Start seeing food as medicine
• Slash your disease risk by clean up the toxic load in your diet
• Eat brightly colored fruits and veggies – high in antioxidants so the fight free radicals
• Eat broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc. – cruciferous veggies support liver detoxification
• Consume raw green foods – enzyme and chlorophyll-rich oxygenate cells

6. Use Greener Beauty Products

AVOID:

• Thinking chemicals on skin is safe – it’s actually worse because they don’t pass through the liver
• Chemicals on skin go straight into the bloodstream, lymphatic system and large internal organs
• According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, nearly 900 chemicals used in cosmetics are known to be toxic
• According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, nearly 900 chemicals used in cosmetics are known to be toxic

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Think: if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your body.
• Become ingredient savvy

7. Improve Air Quality

Indoor air pollutants can contribute to asthma, headaches, dizziness, nausea to organ failure & various cancers.

AVOID

• Mold, asbestos & radioactive gases in building materials
• Smoke (from fires & cooking), carbon monoxide (from cigarettes)
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paints, glues & office equipment like printers

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION

• Invest in natural air purifiers
• Burn non-toxic candles and incense
• Clean fire place regularly
• Did you know 1 houseplant can clear up to 100sqft ?

8. Nurture Your Natural Detox Systems

AVOID:

• Overburdening your intrinsic detox systems with toxins as this damages the body’s cells

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Support the body’s natural mechanisms for breaking down and eliminating chemicals
• Amino acids from high-quality proteins, B vits, and antioxidants in vit C & E break down chemicals
• Fiber from veggies & flax seeds help bind and excrete
• Take probiotic – healthy gut flora is essential for detoxification & excretion of estrogen

9. Add Oxygen Therapy

AVOID:

• Acidic foods
• Bad air circulation
• Sedentary lifestyles

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Cancer cells cease to grow when blood and tissues are sufficiently oxygenated – FACT!
• Highly alkaline diet (80% raw)
• Raising the body’s internal PH enhances the transport of oxygen to cells
• Get regular exercise, deep breathing, and adequate consumption of pure water to increase oxygen uptake
• Drink ozonated water & use ozone saunas when possible

10. Heal Naturally

AVOID:

Pharmaceutical drugs can be the biggest burden for the body in recovering naturally in the long run

TOXIN FREE SOLUTION:

• Boost immunity naturally to prevent illness first
• Keep a natural medicine chest well stock with natural options as first port of call

With all this insight, we hope you feel empowered to change your wellness trajectory by taking how your body functions into your own hands.