Why You Need to Detoxify Your System

We live in a world heavily burdened by environmental toxins. Ever since the industrial boom of the mid-twentieth century, our planet has become home to dangerous levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). POPs are toxins made up of organic (carbon-based) chemicals and synthetic compounds. These pollutants are practically everywhere - in our soil, water, air, food, and even inside our bodies. We are even exposed to toxins through seemingly harmless products we use everyday, including such items as cosmetics, shampoos, hair products, and household cleaners. These toxins are collectively referred to as “xenobiotics” because they are foreign to the human body and have the potential to cause harm.

According to Your Health & Your House by Nina Anderson, more than 4 million new chemicals have been created since 1915. Clearly, our need to clear the toxins out of our bodies-that is, to undergo detoxification- is great, especially in this day and age.

So how do we get exposed to toxins? Our main exposures to POPs is from the food we eat. However, people who live and work near direct source of these toxins (for example, industrial plants and modern-day farming operations) are prone to exposure through skin contact and inhalation.

Of the many POPs in our environment, the twelve most dangerous have been targeted for global eradication by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Intergovernemntal Negotiating Committee for a Treaty on Persistent Organic Pollutants. These are aldrin, chlordance, DDT, diedrin, dioxin and furans, endrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor, mirex, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and toxaphere

Foods That detoxify Your System
- Alfafa sprouts, Arugula, Artichokes, Asparagus
- Bean sprouts, Bell peppers (red, green or yellow), Beets, Bok choy, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage (red or white), Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chickory, Cucumbers
- Dandelion greens, Eggplant, Greenplant, Green beans
- Jicama, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce (all types)
- Mushrooms, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Radishes, Snow peas, Spinach
- Watercress, Water chestnuts, Yellow squash, Zucchini

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