Your liver needs your help…
Hello again. If you have been following my posts, then I bet your head is still spinning from all the liver info I provided. It’s only fitting that this is our next post. Well, it’s cheap, convenient and all over the place. It is in dishes, baby bottles, kid’s toys, lotions, cosmetics and good old water bottles.
Can you guess? If not, I will tell you it’s PLASTICS. Convenience does not come without a price. It is toxic overload that is caused by plastics. Plastic is not a single material. It is a group of many synthetic materials combined to create this modern life marvel. Plastics are made from byproducts of oil, gas and coal. Plastics are known as polymers. Additives are combined to the base material. Some additives make the plastic more heat resistant. Some are: colorants, foaming agents, anti-statics, flame retardants etc. Plastic material is used to manufacture hundreds of everyday products. From mattresses to cushions, house siding, furniture etc. Bottom line: plastics are everywhere but they cause many problems affecting our health and the environment.
Why are they such a problem? I will tell you that additives in the plastic does not stay there. They get absorbed into our bodies, they break down as dust and pollute air, water and soil. Certain plastic properties mimic hormones in the body and increases the risk of cancers. People just want the convenience and don’t realize the serious risk they propose to humans, animal life, wildlife and the environment. Plastics also escape from landfills and find their way into the water supply. BPA-free? Let’s touch on that subject. You’re safe to use BPA-free plastic? Let me inform you, you are not. BPA-free soda cans, water bottles and containers are safe, right? YOU’RE DEAD WRONG.
The secret of plastic…
When plastics are heated in the microwave or washed in extremely hot water (dishwasher), they breakdown and release particles that get absorbed through the skin or through food and drinks. The plastics breakdown overtime as they age, thus causing more toxins to be produced. Toxins from the plastics and the chemicals they produce don’t just circulate in the body or live in the fat tissue (adipose cells) they can accumulate in the placenta. Babies are being born exposed to dozens of chemicals. Even when you are careful you can ingest them through the environment, water and food. The toxins found in plastics can mimic estrogen and have the potential to cause reproductive harm. It can cause infertility in males and females. These toxic chemicals from plastics can cause early on set menstruation in girls and abnormal testicular development in young males. Plastics increase the risk of breast cancer. Research has proven certain chemicals found in plastics produce certain types of breast cancers.
Plastics (even BPA-free) can disrupt thyroid hormones and is now the number one cause of autoimmunity. There are over 30 million people suffering from thyroid disorder. Thyroid hormones have a direct effect on every other hormone in the body. Overburdened thyroid can impact reproductive, digestive and cardiovascular health. While diet plays a large part in heart health, plastic toxic exposure can increase the risk of type I or type II diabetes. Plastics cause cellular confusion which leads to the risk of autoimmune disorders type I diabetes and insulin resistance type II.
BOTTOM LINE! They are everywhere, what can we do?
First, detox from these toxic chemicals. How do we? Well, if you read last week’s blog, then you know. Let me help you out if you missed my last blog. The primary way to detox the body is through the liver. The liver filters blood and removes toxins. It breaks them down and pairs them with water for elimination from the body. That’s why I preach drink, drink, drink your water. In our past posts, I gave you the formula for the correct amount to drink. Here it is again. 50% of your body weight in ounces of water daily. Ex: you weigh 200lbs 50% of 200 is 100. You will need to drink 100 ounces daily in a 12 to 16-hour period. Basically, 10 10-ounce-glasses. The more toxic we become, the less efficiently the liver works. It gets slowed down and toxins begin to store in cells. This process causes the toxic chemicals from the plastics to get trapped in our system.
Detox
Water:
Stay hydrated so toxins can flush out of the body. When you do not consume enough water, urine is more concentrated and constipation occurs. Check your urine, the lighter it is the more hydrated you are. Bowel movements should be at least 2 daily. If you suffer from constipation, then eat foods that support liver and detox.
Veggies:
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage. Many people avoid because of gas or bitter taste, well if you are concerned about plastics, then you better eat them regularly. These 3 power houses also protect the liver from being damaged from the exposure. If gas is a problem (steam them first) 2 to 3 servings daily.
Garlic:
The allicin found in garlic has the amazing ability to promote healing and boosts the immune system which helps the liver efficiently detox the chemicals. EAT SOME DAILY.
Berries: they are the best for a healthy detox. they are low in natural sugar, they are nutrient dense and you can have about 2 cups (besides they have vitamin C, Vitamin K and fiber).
Leafy greens:
They promote healthy blood, they contain iron which is needed for properly oxygenating blood and assisting the liver to detox efficiently. Best ones are watercress (put in salads), beet greens, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens or dandelion tea (which produces overall wellness)
RECIPE FOR THE WEEK:
- 1 head of broccoli chopped (steam 3 min first if it causes you gas)
- 4 garlic cloves minced or put through garlic press
- 2 tbs of good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pinch of Italian dried herbs
- Put all ingredients in a saute pan with lid on pan (except the salt and pepper that’s at the end)
- Place on medium /low heat till broccoli is tender (3 to 5 min)
- When tender remove from pan, squeeze lemon on it (1 whole lemon) and drizzle a little more olive oil over the broccoli, then salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy!
Till then may your health be with you.
PS, keep following because next week will be about good plastic substitutes. Don’t forget to comment below.
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