We have learned that what we put in our body can be reflected through skin health. Adhering to a clean diet abundant in fresh foods and vegetables for fiber, clean proteins, and minimal sugar supports the body’s natural detoxification process and elimination of toxins. Minimizing our sugar intake is super important here because our body becomes less efficient and detoxification and elimination (1).  

This week we look at five ways to reduce toxins in your food and drinks.

FILTER YOUR WATER 

Clean water is important for a clean body. I personally use a Britta carbon filter but I could go further with this. Carbon filters help reduce some chemicals such as chlorine, fluorine, and pesticides. It is recommended to have your tap water tested by a local company. If you are on a public water supply, check your area’s water testing through your water company. There is also Reverse Osmosis filtering, which removes these and other microorganisms and chemicals for pure water. I believe the grocery store fill-up stations (here in Portland) use Reverse Osmosis. Also consider a whole-house filtration system or shoer and bath filter to reduce topical exposure to chlorine and other chemicals that can affect our skin and overall health.

USE, GLASS, CERAMIC, OR STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE 

Food and drinks stored in plastic containers may become contaminated with chemicals that leach out such as BPA and phthalates (2). In replace of plastic, store your food in glass, ceramic or stainless steel to avoid exposure to these hormone-disrupting chemicals. 

COOK IN: STAINLESS STEEL, GLASS, CERAMIC, OR CAST IRON

Avoid Teflon or other “non-stick” cookware with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other chemicals linked to other health concerns. Check out a previous blog I wrote on how to choose healthy cookware. 

CHOOSE ORGANIC 

Unfortunately certain crops are heavily sprayed or hold onto pesticides more than other produce (3). Peeling may help avoid ingestions of these unwanted chemicals, however some skins are thin and we still end up ingesting this stuff. In an ideal world, we eat exclusively local, organic produce, however this is not always cost effective. If you’re on a budget, familiarize yourself with the ‘dirty dozen’ and ‘clean fifteen’ list to help prioritize your shopping. 

CHOOSE SUSTAINABLY AND NATURALLY RAISED ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Meats, fish, and other animal products that are free range, grass fed, and sustainably raised provide better nutrition compared to conventional meat (4). Choosing organic variety will also reduce pesticide exposure (5) and it's also better for our environment. This includes choosing ‘cleaner’ fish and avoiding large, carnivorous fish higher on the food chain like swordfish, shark, tuna, halibut, king mackerel, and tilefish, which contain higher levels of mercury, PCB’s, and other pollutants (6).

Thanks for reading. This blog is inspired by Dr. Trevor Cates and her Clean Skin From Within book. Healthy skin starts first with a healthy body. 

Resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5105045/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3223004/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30199797/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20219103/

https://www.organic-center.org/organic-meat-reduces-exposure-pesticides

Cates, T. 2017. Clean Skin From Within: The Spa Doctor’s 2-Week Program to Glowing, Naturally Youthful Skin. Fair Winds. Beverly, MA.