In the last blog, we talked about how the body already has systems designed to clear waste and help maintain balance.
The liver, kidneys, digestive tract, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin all work together to support this process.
But there’s something important to keep in mind.
In everyday life, we come into contact with many chemicals without even realizing it. Over time, these substances can place extra strain on the body’s natural cleansing systems.
The encouraging news is that small changes in daily habits can make a meaningful difference.
When we begin to notice where these substances come from and take a few practical steps to reduce them, we help the body do what it was designed to do.
Let’s look at several areas where simple adjustments can help.
The Air We Breathe
The air inside our homes can contain a surprising number of chemicals. These may come from air fresheners, cleaning sprays, paints, carpets, cigarette smoke, and even some personal care items like hair spray.
While we can’t control the air outside, we can make improvements inside our homes.
Some people choose to use a quality air purifier to help improve indoor air quality.
Another option is diffusing essential oils that help freshen the air naturally. Oils such as lemon, lime, citronella, melaleuca, and Siberian fir are often used for this purpose. doTerra has a wonderful blend called "Purify." It includes all of these purifying oils listed here plus a few more. It's great to use in a diffuser to cleanse the air.
Switching from harsh chemical cleaners to safer alternatives can also make a difference. Some people enjoy making simple cleaning products at home using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.
If making products yourself doesn’t appeal to you, there are also many safer commercial options available. The Environmental Working Group Healthy Living app is a helpful tool that allows you to look up household products to see how their ingredients are rated. It will also give you the cleanest alternatives to use instead.
But don’t feel like you have to change everything overnight. Many people find it easiest to start by replacing the products they use most often.
The Food We Eat
Food is another area where unwanted chemicals can enter the body. Many processed foods contain additives, preservatives, and other substances that place extra stress on the body over time.
In addition, pesticides and herbicides are often used during the growing season for fruits and vegetables. Certain crops, such as corn and soy, are also frequently genetically modified.
One of the best steps you can take is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins provide nutrients that support the body’s normal cleansing processes.
Foods rich in antioxidants can also help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress. Examples include berries, leafy greens, coconut oil, raw nuts, green tea, and spices such as cinnamon and turmeric.
When it comes to produce, the Environmental Working Group publishes two helpful lists each year. These lists can guide decisions about which fruits and vegetables are most important to purchase organic, while staying mindful of grocery budgets.
The Dirty Dozen
These items tend to have higher levels of pesticide residues.
The Clean 15
These fruits and vegetables usually contain lower pesticide residues and are often considered safer to buy conventionally.
However, sweet corn and papayas are often genetically modified, so please look for Non-GMO labeling on the packaging or buy organic.
The Water We Drink
Water plays an important role in helping the body remove waste. Proper hydration supports kidney function and helps move waste through the digestive system.
A helpful guideline is around eight cups of water each day, although individual needs may vary.
Many people choose to drink filtered water since tap water can contain minerals, chemicals, and other impurities. Filtered water often tastes better, too.
Another simple habit is limiting the use of plastic bottles. Certain chemicals found in plastics can leach into water and eventually enter the body.
Adding lemon, cucumber, or mint to water can flavor it, making it more desirable to drink, while supporting the detoxifying actions of our kidneys, liver, and colon.
Personal Care Products
Another area that often surprises people is personal care products. The average woman uses around twelve different products daily, which can expose the body to a large number of chemical ingredients.
Because the skin absorbs many of the substances placed on it, items such as lotions, soaps, cosmetics, and shampoos can introduce unwanted chemicals into the body.
Choosing products with safer ingredients can help reduce this daily exposure.
Once again, the Environmental Working Group app can make this process easier by helping people compare products and identify safer alternatives.
Small changes over time can significantly reduce the number of chemicals used each day.
Incorporate Movement Into Your Day
Movement is another simple way to support detoxification.
Physical activity improves circulation and helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps move waste out of the tissues.
Exercise also encourages sweating and deeper breathing, both of which assist the body in releasing waste products.
This doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. A daily walk, time spent outdoors, or light exercise can all support these natural processes.
The important thing is to keep the body moving regularly.
Final Thoughts
The modern world exposes us to many substances that previous generations rarely encountered.
While we can’t avoid everything, we can make thoughtful choices that support the body’s natural systems.
Improving air quality, choosing whole foods, drinking clean water, selecting safer personal care products, and moving our bodies regularly are all simple steps that can help reduce the number of chemicals entering our daily lives.
When practiced consistently, these small habits can go a long way toward supporting long-term health.
760 North Main Street
Bluffton, IN 46714
(260) 824-1600
Hours: M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Closed Sundays & Holidays