What are Toxins in my Body? Detox 101. Facts and Myths.

What are Toxins in my Body? Detox 101. Facts and Myths

What are toxins, and how do they build up in my body? What are the facts? Educate yourself with Detox 101...

Detox! If you're like me, you hear quotes like these from many wellness-minded folks:

"I need to rid my body of toxins, time to detox."

"I'm starting a detox diet this week."

"Time for my annual detox juice fast!"

I'm Healthy, Why Do I Need to 'Detox'? Many of us work hard to eat the right foods, practice wellness techniques and maintain our stress levels. But even the healthiest of folks tend to embrace 'detox practices'. Recently actress Gwyneth Paltrow discussed in her GOOP newsletter, how she just finished up the detox diet cleanse based on Dr. Junger's book "Clean." But why does wellness-devotee Gwyneth really need a 'detox cleanse'? Are body toxins real? Doesn't our body take care of toxins on our own? Find out...

What are TOXINS that build up in my body?

Answer: "Toxins" although they almost sound like a urban myth, (wouldn't something "toxic" kill you?) are indeed real.

The Nemours Foundation describes body toxins as, "A toxin is a chemical or poison that is known to have harmful effects on the body. Toxins can come from food or water, from chemicals used to grow or prepare food, and even from the air that we breathe. Our bodies process those toxins through organs like the liver and kidneys and eliminate them in the form of sweat, urine, and feces."

So as stated above, you can break toxins down into four categories: toxins from the air, water, food and chemicals in our environments. Here is an example of each:

Air: Pollution refers to the toxic gases and chemicals, such as methane and carbon monoxide, that are released into the atmosphere only to be mixed into the air we breath in and exhale out. Pollution toxins can come from vehicle and factory emissions as well as other sources. A notable air pollutant is also cigarettes. Inhaled tobacco products contain a number of highly toxic ingredients that can negatively effect your body. Tobacco product toxins effect more than the smokers. Second hand smoke can be inhaled in a wide variety of situations: bars, restaurants, casinos, at home from family members and roommates, sporting events, city sidewalks, outdoor cafes and other social gatherings.

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