5 Tips for Protecting Yourself from a Toxic Lifestyle

Nowadays it’s as if there are hazards around every corner. From the exhaust spewing out of the vehicles we drive to the products we use to clean our homes, it seems as though toxins have become nearly ubiquitous in the modern world. Most of us have become accustomed to living with these unhealthy substances, reassuring ourselves that “these things are perfectly normal,” but a growing number of health-conscious women are making an effort to minimize their exposure to things that could potentially cause illness or injury in the long-term.

Fortunately, it’s possible to protect yourself from an overly toxic lifestyle by simply focusing on a few key aspects of your diet and daily routine. With that said, here are five things you can do to shield yourself from the gauntlet of potential dangers that are often ignored in today’s fast-paced, high-waste society:

1. Avoid Excessive Use of Household Chemicals

You don’t need to spray a noxious concoction of synthetic chemicals every time you wipe down the countertop, and contrary to popular belief there’s no reason to drown your palms in dish soap every time you wash your hands. Excessive use of aerosol products and chemical cleaning agents will inevitably lead to unnecessary overexposure to a plethora of substances that your body would be better off without. Save the hardcore chemicals and disinfectants for the nasty jobs and stick to hot water, vinegar, lime juice, baking soda, and other natural cleaning agents when possible.

2. Be Cautious When Taking New Prescriptions Medications

Many of us have a tendency to immediately take whatever drugs a physician tells us to. Although it’s certainly wise to respect your doctor’s recommendations, it also doesn’t hurt to do your own research and/or seek a second opinion before starting a new prescription medication. There have been many instances of drugs being approved by the FDA only to be recalled a few years later after it was discovered that they caused severe side effects and personal injury. Sometimes these drugs are prescribed to millions of patients before a warning is issued, as was the case with the recent concerns and lawsuits surrounding Multaq. Thus, be cautious about the medications you take and try to opt for trusted alternatives rather than taking drugs that haven’t yet proven longstanding safety.

3. Control Indoor Air Pollution

Many of the toxins we encounter cling to airborne particles that float through our homes and workplaces without ever causing any alarm. Minimizing your exposure to dust and debris and maximizing fresh air circulation will ensure that you aren’t constantly coming into contact with floating filth that will inevitably accumulate over time and could to lead allergies, sinus problems, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms.

4. Eat a Diet Conducive to Detoxing

Luckily, our bodies are equipped with excellent mechanisms for capturing and disposing of toxins, but in order for those detoxification systems to work properly, we need to be consuming the right components in our diet. Namely, anyone striving to lead a less toxic lifestyle should start by staying well-hydrated, avoiding an excessive intake of soda and alcohol, and eating the daily recommended value of essential vitamins and minerals. Foods like carrots, limes, onions, garlic, cucumber, and leafy greens are just a few examples of foods that can help your body stay in an alkaline state and detox optimally on an ongoing basis.

5. Get Away From the City Often

Finally, no matter how hard you try to keep your home and diet clean, if you live in an urban area you’re inevitably going to be exposed to air pollution every time you step outside. Thus, it’s a good idea to take a break from the city and venture out into the great outdoors for some clean and pure nature every once in a while. Try going for a hike, cycling, kayaking, and engaging in other outdoor activities in rural areas that are known to have great air quality. Give your body a chance to step away from the pollution of the city frequently and you’ll feel much better for it later on.

There’s No Need to Be Fanatic About It

While the above tips should definitely be heeded by anyone trying to avoid an excessively toxic lifestyle, there’s also no reason to go overboard with it. As humans, we can tolerate and adapt to a wide range of conditions, so as long as you’re making an effort to treat your body right from time to time, you’ll still be better off than if you were to completely ignore the presence of pollution altogether.

Thanks to Carol Trehearn