Toxins can make you fat – really!

Scientists recently discovered a disturbing correlation between environmental toxins and fat gain.

Some of us may find it difficult to get rid of stubborn fat despite regular exercises and strict diets, or pockets of fat while the rest of us slender. This could be due to excessive toxins in the body.

About Toxins – they are everywhere. The harmful chemicals (in the form of heavy metals, man-made chemicals, pesticides, pollutants and plastics) enter the body through food and the environment. The body expels them naturally, but excess toxins lead to a build-up. In a defensive move, the body stores them in adipose tissues (fat) to protect the organs from harmful chemicals. The stored toxins lead to:

• Build-up of fat
• Disrupt fat burning/metabolism (which then inhibits our ability to lose weight)
• Cause illness

Ways the body rid itself of toxins

The body excretes toxins through sweat, pee, poo and breathing. If we build up toxins faster than we can expel them from our body, the excessive toxins will stubbornly cling on. This then inhibits metabolism, encourages fat build-up and resists any best-laid plans to lose weight.

Instead of looking for ways to detox, this can be daunting given the vast variety of “detox plans”, we could instead look at ways to promote excretory functions of the body.

Promote the elimination of toxins in the body

Here are some ways to promote the body’s natural functions to expel toxins:

• Remove as much as possible products with harmful ingredients from our households.
• Switch to organic produce as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins.
• Dietary fibre to promote healthier bowel function.
• Take care of your liver. The liver converts fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble toxins for easier excretion out of the body.
• Take care of your kidneys.
• Promote healthy blood circulation
• Schedule exercise times.
• Schedule sweating related activities. Sweating is good for you. It is the body’s natural cooling system and draws out toxins through the skin.
• Develop food awareness.
• Rest well.
• Reduce stress. Stress can lead to the excess production of the cortisol hormone, which can play a role in weight gain.