Last week, in my Are You Toxic newsletter, we learned that we are exposed to hundreds if not thousands of chemicals that are released into the environment. They get into our food, and onto our skin through cleaning products, make up, and sun screens. This week, I’d like to go over how to avoid toxins in your foods and which are the safest conventionally raised foods.
The best way to avoid toxins altogether in your food is to eat organic fruits and vegetables. Organic foods are more healthy for many reasons: eating organic reduces pesticides in your diet, it reduces GMOs, and eating organic protects the soil. Organic foods also contain more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients than conventionally raised foods.
Ideally, you would purchase all of your produce from organic sources. However, many people say that they cannot afford to buy all organic due to costs. Fair enough, organic produce is more expensive. Luckily the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides and updated list every year of the foods that are the most contaminated, called the Dirty Dozen.
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale and Collard greens
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Pepper
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Celery
- Tomatoes
On the flip side, EWG also provides, the Clean 15, the safest produce to buy conventionally (non-organic):
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Frozen peas
- Asparagus
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Cantaloupe
- Mangoes
- Watermelon
- Sweet potatoes
Try to stick to these lists to avoid exposure to toxins. Next week I’ll talk about how you can avoid toxic chemicals in your skin and cleaning products. I’ll finish out the series on toxins with advice on how to detox naturally, with your foods.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, or if you’re just not feeling well, chances are you need to detox. Did you know you can test for toxins in your system and to see how well your liver, kidneys, and digestive tract is processing those toxins? Contact me for a Free 15 minute consultation.
