There are two types of toxins we have to be aware of; the toxins that we can’t control and the ones that we can. Toxic substances that are beyond our control are everywhere, they can be gases, vapours, specks of dust, or smoke that is emitted by factories.
The toxins that we can control are found in our food, the products we put in our bodies, and the water we drink. We may not be aware that we are exposed to and ingest toxins since we’ve been too accustomed to our lifestyles and habits.
Our guest in the Rejuvenated Woman Podcast Kirsty McDaide, one of the founders of JIVITA shares an in-depth discussion on why we should be cautious about the food we intake and the products we use.
It all started when Kirsty had a curiosity about natural products, she researched and found out that most products with labels that say “natural ingredients,” “organic,” or “all-natural” are mostly just marketing strategies.
They were labelled as such to attract customers but in reality, they contain harmful chemicals and toxins. Kirsty figured that brands misinform buyers by putting sneaky slogans or names. This made her frustrated knowing that the ingredients used can pose a threat to people’s lives.
With this knowledge, Kirsty and her business partner Catherine Bond established JIVITA, a company committed to serving products with ingredients that they have personally and meticulously checked.
In the process of learning more about great ingredients, they figured that some suppliers are actually aligned with their vision of helping holistically improve human health. They were able to create a tribe of people who wants to share more information that also generates a positive impact on other people’s health.
Kirsty mentioned some of the ingredients we need to look out for before buying products:
- Parabens
- Triclosan
- Aluminium
- Butane
- Isobutane
- Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)
- Homosalate
These are usually found on the products we use daily such as shampoos, face creams, make-up, tanning oil, sunscreen, deodorants, and baby wash.
Kirsty pointed out that if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, the chances of it being toxic are high. Also, when we apply these chemicals, it takes about 26 seconds to be absorbed in the bloodstream. If we’re using products with loads of harmful chemicals, our bodies need to detoxify more than they used to.
Once the body gets tired of trying to detoxify every single day, it will manifest symptoms that the body needs help. Kirsty stated the usual indicators the body is filled with toxins are:
- Menstruation concerns
- Menstrual cycle imbalances
- Unusual colour of menstruation
- Bloating around the tummy
- Inflammation of the lower back
- Fatigue
- Disrupted sleep
- Foggy brain
- Leaky gut
- Skin rashes
- Sore joints
- Lack of brightness in the eyes
- Sore breasts
These chemicals may copy or obstruct body hormones. They are called endocrine disruptors and are usually associated with immune, reproductive, brain diseases.
Endocrine disruptors are also found in everyday products that we use like detergents, cosmetics, pesticides, plastic or metal food containers, and toys.
Apart from disrupting body hormones, too many toxins in the body can potentially lead to the following diseases:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Parkinson’s diseases
Chemical toxicity puts stress on our entire body system. We may think toxins only affect our physical state, but it also has damaging effects on emotional aspect.
With the disruption in the endocrine system, toxicity can create a grave imbalance in hormone production and might lead to anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Also, it can damage DNA that speeds up brain ageing. This leads to mood complications, an individual may have irrational behaviour or feel irritable most of the time.
Too many toxins in the body can also lead to brain fog. Some may have difficulty making or sticking to decisions. Their memory is also influenced; they may not remember important tasks or appointments. It’s easy to feel confused about simple processes, and it’s a struggle to stay focused.
Moreover, if we have too many toxins, we don’t feel motivated to do anything. It becomes a vicious cycle that encourages us to stick to an unhealthy lifestyle. Rather than exploring ways to be healthier, we put a lot of blame on other things and sometimes ourselves.
If we want to stop these toxins from causing our bodies harm, we have to be informed about the ingredients that go into our food and products we use. It’s difficult to research every ingredient, but Kirsty has proven that it’s possible.
Kirsty has been told that it was only easy for her but in reality, it can be easy for everyone if we only put our focus into it. Her detoxification journey started by changing her rituals and habits that influence how she shops for food. She began patronizing farmer’s markets. Not only did she make beautiful connections with the people who planted and harvested the produce, but she was also given useful information on how the whole process was done.
Going to the farmer’s market may be inconvenient for some and Kirsty counters this by saying, it’s all about what you commit to. But if you’re looking for an easier way to start, consider your water intake.
Kirsty says that the best thing to do is to detoxify or cleanse the liver. She firmly agreed to what Cathy said, “the solution to pollution is dilution”. If we want to start detoxifying our bodies we need to start taking lots of water but not just ordinary water. Our water choices will also have an immense impact on how we detoxify.
The initial steps to detoxify should be effortless and Cathy affirms that she encourages her clients to start with one thing that will not cause any more stress.
The mere thought that we have to detoxify is stressful in itself, knowing the intricate process can add to this burden. This is the reason why people find it hard to commit to healthy practices and lifestyles.
On our next blog, we’ll give an in-depth discussion on Cathy’s and Kirsty’s recommendations on how to better start detoxification. Until then, stay informed, Rejuvenated Woman.
