Obesity is one of the most serious public health issues facing the United States. There are an unprecedented number of adults and juveniles in the country who are overweight. Despite the nearly constant warnings about the risks of being overweight, obesity rates continue to rise and with them, the rates of heart disease and diabetes. Many of us eat unhealthy diets and most of us don't get nearly enough exercise.
Other than these lifestyle factors, toxic buildup in the body can also lead to weight gain. Toxins built up in the body may also be responsible for certain cancers, chronic fatigue syndrome and sexual dysfunction.
Toxins enter our bodies in a variety of ways. Pesticides, antibiotics and hormones are common contaminants in our food supply. Highly acidic foods stored in plastic containers can be subject to toxins from the container leaching into the contents; these chemicals are especially dangerous, since our bodies are not equipped to remove them.
Toxins are also in our water supply! Studies have found that in many parts of the US, our drinking water is not nearly as pure and safe as we might like to think. People who drink well water in an agricultural area are especially at risk of water-borne pesticides and other contaminants.
Hormones and antibiotics fed to livestock are another hazard. These animals are fed these substances to ensure quicker maturity and disease resistance; but these substances end up in their meat and other products.
Thankfully, you can detoxify yourself. The best way to start is to eat certified organic foods; this is especially important with produce and dairy products. Some fruits and vegetables absorb toxins more readily than others, so be sure to choose organic when buying greens (spinach, collards, kale, etc.), apples, strawberries, bell and chili peppers and cucumbers. When you by any sort of red meats or poultry, check for naturally raised meats and don't eat the skin. For fish, try to avoid fish which are higher up on the food chain such as sea trout (carnivorous fish tend to absorb more toxins) and look for cod and other white fish.
Your liquid intake also matters; drink plenty of filtered water or other certified organic beverages.
