Each day of our lives we are exposed to toxins in different forms; toxins are found in food, air, and water around us. This is why our bodies have a natural built-in detoxification system that works day and night to get rid of such toxins. The liver works as the primary filtration system and carries out detoxification in two stages. It produces free radicals or toxic intermediates in the first phase and these are then made harmless through the second phase. If for any reason, the second stage is sluggish, the toxic intermediaries build up and become dangerous. You can use the following strategies to reduce toxic exposure from foods:

• Avoid canned foods: Since cans are usually lined with Bisphenol A which is a Persistent Organic Pollutant, it stays in the human body for many years and this generates more free radicals. These radicals then reduce the antioxidant reserves in your body. You need to therefore consciously avoid eating pesticide-laden, denatured and genetically modified or processed foods.

• Eat organic foods: It is important to take in organic foods as far as possible; you need to eat more onions, garlic, grapefruits, parsley and cilantro because these help in the liver’s detoxification efforts. Good quality proteins in the diet help because they offer amino acids for optimal detoxification. It is best to avoid charbroiled meats which selectively generate free radicals. Organic foods are in general far healthier and safer than regular foods because they are free from over-exposure to herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals. Since making your entire diet “organic” may be an expensive proposition, you can try to choose at least organic dairy products and meats as far as possible. For instance, grass-fed beef or free-range poultry are good dietary alternatives.

• Avoid drinking from plastic bottles: It is always advisable to carry a glass bottle for drinking water or other beverages. Plastic exposure can be fatal for your health. You can also place a filter on your kitchen faucet to make the water clean. Filtering the drinking water may be a good idea to reduce toxic exposure in our daily lives.

• Lower animal fats consumption: Animal fats are typically high in toxins and a high-fat diet may increase the effects of toxins in your body.

• Eat fresh foods: It is always advisable to consume fresh foods instead of canned foods. Fresh foods lower the levels of DEHP and BPA, which are the two plastics that are known to disrupt hormonal functions in the body causing developmental problems, cancers, heart diseases, and various chronic illnesses.

• Avoid plastic storage containers: It is recommended that you do not store leftover foods in plastic containers. Even the meat you buy from the grocery should be wrapped in paper and not plastic wraps. It is also not healthy to microwave food in plastic bowls.

• Avoid trans fats: These fats are known to endanger your heart and raise the bad cholesterol levels.

• Eat whole unrefined grains: When you eat excess refined grains, you can develop gluten intolerance.

• Avoid artificial colors: You should also try to do away with artificial colorings and flavors in your meals and instead use foods with natural colors like beetroot or lemon.

These are some easy ways to lower the exposure to toxic elements in your diet by making your diet more nutritious and eliminating the unhealthy calories.