This is a follow up to the previous post by Dr. Ben Kim.

I’ve noticed that cleansing the body of toxins has become one of the most common topics that new clients want to consult with me on.

There’s a ton of information on the world wide web on the growing presence of toxins in our environment and how these toxins affect our health. And of course, there are countless programs and products that are touted to cleanse and detox the body of toxins.

This post is my take on everything that you really need to know about toxins and how they can affect your health.

First, let’s differentiate between the two main types of toxins that you are exposed to on a day-to-day basis.

1. Exogenous Toxins
2. Endogenous Toxins

1. Exogenous Toxins

Exogenous toxins are chemicals that are made outside of your body, and that can harm your cells if they are ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through some other channel to enter your bloodstream.

While it’s unrealistic to live and work in an environment that is completely free of exogenous toxins, you should strive to minimize your exposure to the following most common exogenous toxins:

• MSG and aspartame – both are toxic to your nerve cells
• Recreational Drugs
• Any over-the-counter or prescription drug that comes with a warning that use of the drug in question may lead to liver damage
• Most personal care products, especially cosmetics that are applied around the mouth, which are easily swallowed in trace but potentially significant amounts.

The exogenous toxins mentioned above may not be as harmful in one shot as other obvious toxins like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds, but the four groups mentioned above tend to be used regularly by large segments of the population, so they’re definitely worth highlighting.

For a closer look at other exogenous toxins that tend to be in modern living and working environments,

2. Endogenous Toxins

Endogenous toxins are toxins that are produced inside of your body. Some of these toxins are waste products from normal metabolic activities – carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid are examples of endogenous toxins that your body churns out with each breath that you take. Unless your health is severely compromised, your body is well equipped to eliminate these endogenous toxins from your system.

An often overlooked source of endogenous toxins is an unhealthy gut. Over time, a diet that’s rich in highly refined foods, poor eating habits (lack of chewing is a big one), and emotional stress can lead to an unhealthy balance of microorganisms in your gut, a state that’s called intestinal dysbiosis.

Intestinal dysbiosis is accompanied by steady production of endogenous toxins by undesirable yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and in rare cases, even parasites. These toxins include various aldehydes, alcohols, indols, phenols, and skatols, just to name a few.

While some of these endogenous toxins are eliminated as gas, some make their way into your bloodstream by traveling through your intestinal walls, and once they make it into your bloodstream, they can access your cells and contribute to toxic burden.

Now that we’ve reviewed the two main types of toxins that your body is exposed to, let’s assume that you haven’t yet taken steps to reduce your exposure to toxins, and that these toxins are steadily making their way into your blood.

The most common household toxins are as follows:

1. Triclosan: an antibacterial agent that is chemically similar to the dioxin class of compounds.  Linked to: immune system and endocrine system dysfunction.  Most commonly found in: many liquid soaps and in some deodorants, toothpastes, cosmetics, kitchenware, and children’s toys.
2. Phthalates: large phthalates are chemicals that are added to plastics to impart resilience and flexibility. Smaller phthalates are used to prolong the length of time that a scented product maintains its fragrance.  Linked to: endocrine, reproductive, and developmental problems.  Most commonly found in: vinyl flooring, plastic food packaging, plastic bags, plastic clothing, detergents, children’s toys, shower curtains, and personal care products like soap, shampoo, nail polish, and hair spray.
3. Bisphenol A: used in epoxy resins that line some metal cans, and to make polycarbonate plastics utilized in a variety of food containers and baby products.   Linked to: endocrine problems.   Most commonly found in: food and drink containers, baby bottles, teethers, toys, metal food cans, and dental sealants used to prevent cavities.
4. Carbon monoxide: formed from incomplete combustion of fuel. Carbon monoxide decreases delivery of oxygen to cells.Linked to: cardiovascular and nervous system failure.   Most commonly produced by: leaking furnaces and chimneys, gas stoves, wood stoves and fireplaces, back-drafting from gas water heaters, and auto exhaust from an attached garage or nearby traffic.
5. Perfluorinated chemicals: used to make stain-repellents and non-stick surfaces.   Linked to: many different types of cancer and developmental problems in children.   Most commonly found in: teflon-coated cookware, microwave popcorn bags, and stain-guarded clothing, furniture, and carpets.
6. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): chemicals that are released into the air as gases.   Linked to: reproductive, respiratory, neurological, and developmental problems. Also linked to different types of cancer.   Most commonly found in: air fresheners, hair spray, perfumes, cleaning products, paints, carpets, and furniture made out of pressed wood.
7. Radon: odorless gas that forms as uranium in rocks and soil breaks down.  Linked to: lung cancer.    Most commonly found in: confined spaces, the most common of which are poorly ventilated basements that have cracked walls and/or floors.
8. Lead: a heavy metal that can build up in our tissues.    Linked to: cancer, neurological dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and developmental problems in children.    Most commonly found in: lead plumbing pipes found in older homes, lead-based paint, crystal tableware, and some varieties of imported mini-blinds.
9. Pesticides and herbicides:  linked to problems with the nervous system, and possibly a risk factor for cancer, developmental challenges, and reproductive problems.

   Most commonly found in: non-organic food supply, non-organic farming regions, and non-organic landscaped areas that are well maintained.