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What are toxins? Toxins cause many problems within the body. Toxins… Displace structural minerals, resulting in weaker bones Poison enzymes so they don’t work properly. Damage the organs Damage DNA, which increases the rate of aging and degeneration Modify gene expression Damage cell membranes so they don’t respond properly Interfere with hormones and cause imbalances Impair your ability to detoxify So, if that’s what toxins do, how can we prevent toxins from building up in our bodies in the first place? Here are some things you can do to reduce the amount of toxins in your body. Reduce Refined Sugar Sugar is high in fructose, and excess fructose intake has been linked to many serious conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease. Excess sugar is also linked to breast and colon cancer. This may be due to its effect on blood sugar and insulin levels, which can drive tumor growth. One study of more than 35,000 women found that those with the highest sugar intakes had double the risk of developing colon cancer as those who consumed diets lower in sugar. While small amounts of sugar are harmless for most people, some individuals are unable to stop after a small amount. In fact, they may be driven to consume sugar in the same way that addicts are compelled to drink alcohol or take drugs. Avoid Trans Fats Trans fats are the unhealthiest fats you can eat. They're created by pumping hydrogen into unsaturated oils in order to turn them into solid fats. Your body doesn't recognize or process trans fats in the same way as naturally occurring fats. Not surprisingly, eating them can lead to a number of serious health problems. Studies have repeatedly shown that trans-fat consumption causes inflammation and negative effects on heart health. Controlled studies in humans have confirmed that trans fats lead to inflammation, which has profoundly negative effects on heart health. This includes impaired ability of arteries to properly dilate and keep blood circulating. Avoid BPA Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical found in the plastic containers of many common foods and beverages. The main food sources are bottled water, packaged foods and canned items, such as fish, chicken, beans and vegetables. Studies have shown that BPA can leech out of these containers and into the food or beverage. Researchers have reported that food sources make the biggest contribution to BPA levels in the body, which can be determined by measuring BPA in urine. One study found BPA in 63 of 105 samples of food, including fresh turkey and canned infant formula. BPA is believed to mimic estrogen by binding to the receptor sites meant for the hormone which can disrupt functions. Studies on pregnant animals have shown that BPA exposure leads to problems with reproduction and increases the future breast and prostate cancer risk in a developing fetus. Some studies have also found that high BPA levels are associated with infertility, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity. You can reduce your BPA exposure by looking for BPA-free bottles and containers, as well as by eating mostly whole, unprocessed foods. In one study, families who replaced packaged foods with fresh foods for 3 days experienced a 66% reduction in BPA levels in their urine, on average. Ending Point When buying your groceries, stick to whole, single-ingredient foods as much as possible. That way, you can easily minimalize your exposure to these harmful toxins. Go to the Detox products page for supplements that can help you, wait for it, detox.