Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Toxic Body, Home and Mind...

Here is an inspiring post we received from one of our readers, Krista Peterson, a 23 year old passionate about environmental issues, and a health & safety advocate:

"It is becoming harder and harder to live a healthy life in today’s society.  With less time and more and more unhealthy shortcuts available through junk food and other conveniences, it takes both effort and information to stay on task. Knowing how to eliminate toxins from your body, your home, and your mind can lead to a balanced, energized, and healthy lifestyle.  

You’re stuck with your body for the rest of your life, so it benefits you to take good care of it.  Of course, too much sugar, processed food, and junk food are bad for you. But your body also produces natural toxins. On a cellular level, unstable molecules, called free radicals, can cause oxidation, a process very similar to the rusting of metal.
Oxidation is known to cause cancer, cataracts, heart disease, and other illnesses.

Antioxidants are substances found in nature that work to protect our cells from free radicals and oxidation by interacting and stabilizing the molecules.  Fruits that are high in antioxidants include apples, blueberries, and black beans, each of which is great for dessert making or just plain snacking. Also foods high in Vitamin C, E, and A contain antioxidants.


Your home ought to be a safe haven of health, a place where you can refocus, rest, and refuel.  But toxins like lead and asbestos may be making your home unsafe. Lead can be found in water, soil, household dust, and some paint. It is important to be able to recognize the
symptoms of lead poisoning to prevent permanent physical damage to yourself and your family members. Lead poisoning symptoms include abdominal pain, aggressive behavior, reduced sensations, and difficulty sleeping.

If your home was built in the 70’s or earlier, it may contain a natural mineral called asbestos in the dry wall, insulation, tile, or heating appliances.  If asbestos fibers are disturbed, they’re released into the air and can be inhaled, causing a cancer called mesothelioma if ingested or inhaled.
 Mesothelioma treatment is similar to most cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery.  For those who already have mesothelioma, consider alternative treatment .  Some options, like yoga, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, may be unconventional, but they have yielded promising results.

Good mental health, while affected by your home environment and your physical state of well being, can also have a lot to do with a positive attitude.  Though not necessarily tangible, negative thoughts are toxic.  Studies show that maintaining a
positive attitude can lead to better mental and physical health. Optimism reduces stress, allowing you to focus on better lifestyle choices.  Expelling the toxins of negative attitudes can also change your hormonal balance, restoring energy and immunity, and reducing your risk for conditions like depression.

So, if you desire a healthy life overall, consider the dangers of toxins like free radicals, lead, asbestos, and negative thinking.  With information on what these hazards can do and the drive to eliminate them from your body, home, and mind, you can make the steps toward an even healthier you."

Source: Krista Peterson, Orlando, FL 

Content  provided by guest writers are not checked by EcoLogicalMom for accuracy. Please click here for our complete policy. Always consult your doctor or specialist for best care.

No comments:

Post a Comment