Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by Cathy
Have you ever paid attention to how many harmful toxins you’re exposed to every day? They are everywhere! In the food you eat, personal care products, and even the air you breathe. They are one of the triggers of multiple sclerosis (MS). Removing environmental toxins it will give your body a better chance to heal.
Triggers to MS:
- Diet (processed foods, refined sugar, refined carbs, food allergies, etc.)
- Infections (Candida, viruses, bacteria, and parasites)
- Environmental Toxins (heavy metals, mold, pesticides, plastics, etc.)
- Chronic Stress (especially emotional stress)
- Hormones (vitamin D, insulin, cortisol)
- Genetics (you can’t change your genes but you can change your gene expression by living a healthy lifestyle)
In today’s world, we’re surrounded by toxins, it’s impossible to remove them all. Over time these toxins will build up in your system putting a burden on your immune system. They cause allergies, cancer, organ failure, disrupt hormones, and neurological effects. They’re found in most products you use every day including:
- Car fumes
- Cigarette smoke
- Cosmetics
- Deodorant
- Food
- Hand lotion
- Household cleaners
- Plastics
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste
- Water (yes, water)
The list is so large, that it would take hours to read.
Your body has a built-in detox system to fight these toxins. But, when it becomes so overwhelmed the toxins aren’t removed.
What Can I Do?
We have high amounts of aluminum, pesticides, and other harmful toxins in our bodies. Removing as many toxins as possible each day will help your body, every little bit will add up. First, start by removing processed foods. They contain additives, and preservatives, and are grown in toxic soil. Buy organic fruit and vegetables to avoid pesticides. Buy grass-fed meats to avoid growth hormones and antibiotics.
Include whole foods that are rich in antioxidants, nutrient-dense, including healthy fats. Always read the labels, manufacturers like to change their ingredients.
Water
Chemicals are in city tap water to keep us “safe” from bacteria. The chemicals include chlorine and fluoride. Even some heavy metals like lead from corroded pipes end up in drinking water.
Add a water filtration system to your faucet
Drinking more (clean filtered) water will help flush out the toxins. Try to drink half your weight in ounces. If you weigh 150 lbs. that’s 75 ounces of water per day.
Many people with MS also suffer from bladder issues and with bladder issues you drink less. Try to drink as much as possible, as your body begins to heal the bladder issues should also begin to get better.
Herbal Teas
Help your internal organs by drinking lots of herbal teas. They help detox your body by removing toxins from your liver, kidneys, and bloodstream.
Detox Tea is one of my favorite herbal teas. It has a nice spicy flavor which includes Indian sarsaparilla root. Native Americans have used sarsaparilla root as medicine for centuries.
Milk Thistle is excellent for helping your liver detox. It’s also good for your digestive system to help remove the toxins.
If you would like to learn more about herbal teas read:
3 Herbal Teas to Detox Your Liver
Cookware
Stop using Teflon cookware, when it’s scratched it flakes off and you end up digesting it. It’s very toxic and hard for your body to remove it. Instead use stainless steel, cast iron, or glass-like Pyrex.
Plastic is another problem. Unfortunately, it’s used in many from water bottles to food storage containers. Chemicals in plastics have Bisphenol-A (BPA). It disrupts hormones and can mimic the female hormone estrogen.
It causes a hormone imbalance leading to weight gain. Plastic contains can leach into the food, especially when it’s microwaved. It’s nearly impossible to avoid plastic altogether. You can do your part by using reusable BPA-free plastic water bottles. Also by using glass containers instead of plastic.
For my lunch containers for work, I use a certified BPA-free reusable container. It’s priced pretty reasonably and I’ve used it multiple times without problems.
Indoor Air
As homes become better insulated they also become more toxic. The toxic fumes from the paint, carpet, and hardwood floors become trapped. Then people clean with toxic household chemicals and use toxic air fresheners.
Learn how to use natural cleaning products using vinegar and baking soda. Purchase an air filter or open your windows to let in some fresh air. Add household plants to help detox your air. Chrysanthemums, spider plants, or Boston ferns are good choices.
Mold
Mold can cause serious health risks such as neurological symptoms and even death. Anywhere there has been water damage either at home or work can cause mold. Symptoms of mold exposure have similar symptoms to MS leading to a misdiagnosis. Depending on how bad the mold is, you may need to call in experts due to the high toxin exposure.
If it’s just a small amount of mold the first thing to do is stop the water damage and dry it out. Spray the area using undiluted white vinegar or apple cider vinegar using a spray bottle. Let it sit for no less than an hour, then wipe clean.
Lemon Water
Drink a glass of room-temperature lemon water each morning. It is beneficial for your health, digestive system, and immune system. It boosts your mood and helps keep colds away. Drinking lemon water keeps you well hydrated, which many people with MS are not. It will aid your liver as it’s working to push out toxins.
Sleep and Stress
You need to improve your environment to help you get more sleep. Like keeping your bedroom darker, quieter, and cooler. Going outside to get sun exposure during the daylight can help you sleep better at night.
Include changes to help manage stress like listening to music or using aromatherapy. Low-intensity exercises like yoga, chair exercises, or stretching can help reduce stress.
Improving Your Environment
You don’t need to make drastic changes all at once. Start by making small changes to your environment and your daily habits. With each change, it will add up to make a difference for the better.
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