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Reduce Your Toxic Burden

  • Writer: Michael Frey, MD
    Michael Frey, MD
  • Mar 8
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 23



1. Improve Diet

  • Choose organic produce to minimize pesticide exposure.

  • Avoid seed oils, instead cook with olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil.

  • Incorporate more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Stay hydrated with clean water to help flush out toxins.


Women’s Health Superfoods

 

  • Flaxseeds – Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) that modulate the estrogen response in the body. They are incredibly supportive during times of hormone highs or lows like perimenopause. Try 1-2 tablespoons of ground flax per day.

 

  • Cruciferous vegetables – Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale fall into this category. Sulfur compounds in these vegetables support the healthy detoxification of estrogen in the liver. Eat these daily.

 

  • Yogurt – Unsweetened coconut, almond, or goat or sheep milk yogurt (as tolerated) provides live cultures of beneficial bacteria that support the gut and vaginal microbiomes. Include fermented foods in the diet regularly. A word of caution, for some, dairy might not be well tolerated and could trigger inflammation, listen to your body.

 

  • Bone broth – The broth from slow-cooked quality bones is rich in minerals and collagen protein that supports hair, skin, bones, and joints as we age.


  • Turmeric – The deep orange-yellow spice from India is highly medicinal, providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s beneficial for joint pain and inflammation, brain health, and much more. Be sure to include herbs and spices, including turmeric, in your cooking.

 

  • Oranges – Oranges, sweet potatoes, peaches, and other beta-carotene-rich orange foods have an affinity for the ovaries. They are helpful to include in the diet for fertility and reproductive health. Eat the rainbow of plant foods each day.

 

When it comes to health, food is foundational. Nutrition is a powerful medicine for the prevention of various conditions.


2. Minimize Exposure to Chemicals

  • Avoid using products with harsh chemicals.

  • Dishwasher Pods:

    • Blueland

    • Molly's Suds

  • Laundry detergent:

    • Clean People

    • Molly's Suds

    • Ecos

  • Cleaning Sprays: Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer's, or Branch Basics

  • Mouth-Wash: Use alcohol-free brands such as Dessert Essentials

  • Toothpaste

  • Skin Moisturizer: Trader Joe's Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer with Aloe & Green Tea Extracts is nice. 

  • Avoid using tea bags; instead, use loose-leaf tea.

  • Avoid K-cups made of plastic. Check out San Francisco Coffee pods instead.

  • Switch to bamboo toilet paper. Some traditional toilet paper contains glue and chlorine which you place into your body every day. Bamboo is also better for the environment.

  • Aluminum-free deodorant such as Schmidts.

  • Avoid plastic containers, especially for heating food. Stick with glass.

  • Use wood, glass, or steel cutting boards - avoid plastic cutting boards.

  • Shampoo: Use sulfate-free shampoo. Honest and Native Shampoo are gentle products. Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle is another great choice. 

  • Soap: Use triple-milled bar soap.



3. Enhance Indoor Air Quality

  • Use air purifiers to reduce airborne pollutants.

  • Ensure proper ventilation in your home.

  • Incorporate houseplants that can help filter the air.



4. Regular Physical Activity

  • Engage in regular exercise to boost circulation and support detoxification.



5. Practice Stress Management

  • Before bedtime: Say a prayer of thanks or meditate with deep breathing and just appreciate the good stuff.

  • Ensure adequate sleep to help the body recover and detoxify.

  • Get a hug for 20 seconds a day.

  • Reduce stress.

  • Love on your pet



6. Detoxification And Elimination Practices

  • Having a daily bowel movement.

  • Breathing deeply and fully.

  • Sweating regularly through exercise or passively via hot baths or saunas.

  • Supporting circulation and lymph flow with movement, massage, and other tools.



7. Regular Health Check-ups

  • Schedule routine medical check-ups to monitor health and identify potential issues early.

  • Discuss any concerns about environmental exposures with a healthcare provider.



8. Educate Yourself

  • Stay informed about the sources of toxins in everyday life.

  • Read labels and understand the ingredients in products you use


 


 



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