Environment Matters

What does my environment have to do with my health? Well, A LOT! When I sit down and talk with clients we don’t just jump into the physical side of it all. I would be missing a very big picture of their overall health and wellness. It is important to consider what factors can contribute to pain and dysfunction. Environmental toxins are chemicals that we are exposed to which may be harmful to our health. These chemicals can be human-made or naturally occurring within our environment. They can be cancer-causing agents, they can affect our endocrine system, and how our DNA is expressed. Yes, they can change our genetic makeup. It is important to know what some of these toxins are and how we can limit our exposure.

One way to limit toxins is to live near nature. Living near trees and nature limits exposure to air pollution. You can also keep plants in your home or take time to visit nature by hiking or spending time in a park nearby.

Limit noise pollution exposure by using ear plugs, closing windows, using noise cancelling headphones, particularly if you live in a city. But especially for sleeping.

Be active! Physical activity helps our bodies flush toxins.

Be part of a community, social networks boost our systems and help us fight illness..

Meditation and mindfulness to support immune system.

Air filters or purifiers can help with air quality.

Consider the cleaning products you use in your home www.ewg.org is a good resource.

Another place to consider how to mitigate toxin exposure is through diet. Pesticides in our foods are toxic. Limiting these can help. One easy place to start is by considering what food you should buy organic and those that are not necessary. Here is the EWG’s list.

First, the “dirty dozen” are foods you should BUY ORGANIC:

Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes

Second are the “Clean Fifteen” , foods that do not need to be bought organically:

Avocado
Sweet corn
Pineapple
Onion
Papaya
Sweet peas
Eggplant
Asparagus
Cauliflower
Cantaloupe
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Cabbage
Honeydew
Kiwi

Watch for BPA in plastics, in general use glass, ceramic or stainless steel containers when possible and look for plastic containers that are BPA FREE

Reduce the risk of mercury poisoning, look at the Monterey Bay Safe Fish list for fish to avoid.

Eat organic poultry and buy beef that is grass fed.

This may seem overwhelming, but don’t let it be. Start with one item on this list. See what is reasonable for you to change and begin there. You will find one change leads to another and the movement toward health becomes an easy lifestyle change that you will feel really good about.

If you want help, we are happy to coach you through the lifestyle changes you may need to meet your health and wellness goals!