Dear Readers,
As you may know, our homes are loaded with toxins. They are in our personal care products, our cleaners, the epoxy for the glue that holds our furniture together, our bedding, our paint and just about everything else. Each day we are exposed to a veritable "chemical soup."
As I researched the effects of particularly worrisome compounds, I was relieved to find that the individual chemicals we are typically exposed to are, for the most part, deemed safe. However, (you knew that was coming), I was unable to find any information about the combined effect of the dozens of chemicals to which we are exposed, daily.
Thinking about it further I realize it would be nearly impossible for scientists to study this "soup," since each individual's serving is different. One person might get exposure from hair dye and dry cleaning, yet eat organic food, while another might gain exposure at the workplace. Furthermore, my daughter has eczema and I am finding it very difficult to isolate which foods in my diet (I'm breastfeeding) as well as hers are causing it. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, how daunting a task it is to connect the illness with a cause.The good news is our bodies are pretty efficient at getting rid of toxins. We can consume, as many of us do, fatty foods, refined sugars and alcohol, in moderation, and not suffer adverse effects. Each time we do this though, we are asking our livers to work a bit harder. What happens when we add chemicals into the mix? How much can we tax our livers before feeling the effects? I don't think anyone can answer that conclusively.
During cold and flu season, I often stress to my students (I teach elementary school science), the importance of keeping their immune systems strong. Germs are everywhere, I explain, you can wash your hands to protect yourself, but you cannot completely avoid them. When germs enter your body, your immune system(an army of tiny soldiers), identifies the intruder and goes on the attack. Good blood cells surround the intruder and kill it. That is, as long as you've supplied your army with plenty of vitamins and given them enough rest. But what happens when there are more intruders than your immune system can handle? Then you get sick.
In my opinion, it behooves us all to reduce our exposure to any potentially harmful chemical as best we can. Back in March, I discussed alternatives to toxic cleaners.
This month I've taken a broader look at our exposure and provided alternatives. I hope you find these posts helpful and that you will share them with others.Thank you
