Toxins, a potential hazard

The word 'toxin' comes from Greek and means "poison". Toxins are produced by cells, whether from plants, animals or bacteria. In humans, toxins can come from two sources:

• Exogenous: They are those that we incorporate into our organism when we breathe or consume substances such as alcohol, tobacco; foods with traces of herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals or radiation; medications; additives added to processed foods.

• Endogenous: They are generated inside our body because our cells in their metabolic processes of obtaining energy and repair, generate free radicals (unstable molecules), which if not eliminated efficiently, accumulate in our body, causing damage to our cells and tissues.

Effects of toxin accumulation in the body. Our body is always generating toxins that, as long as they are kept under control through mechanisms and organs that neutralize or eliminate them, do not harm our health; however, when they are not treated in a timely manner and begin to accumulate in the body, they cause the following disorders:

• Inflammation of the mucous membranes: this disorder is characterized by the alteration of the intestinal flora, reduced ability to absorb nutrients, gas and constipation.

• Alterations of the immune system manifested by the occurrence of frequent infections, asthma and atopic dermatitis.

• Premature aging.

• Carcinogenesis.

• Cataracts.

• Arteriosclerosis.

Important: The excessive production of free radicals (toxins) is stimulated by unbalanced diets (very large meals, excesses of saturated fats, excesses of sugar, excesses of proteins), deficient water consumption, alcoholism, smoking, nuclear radiation, insecticides, negative thoughts (hatred, envy, greed, etc.).

Organs involved in the elimination of toxins. To facilitate the evacuation of the toxins in our organism the following organs work in a coordinated way: The liver together with the kidneys are the main organs involved in the detoxification of the organism.

The liver, among other functions, purifies the blood of toxic substances and produces bile to eliminate waste. The kidneys eliminate heavy metals and other toxins through urine.

Other organs involved in the evacuation of toxins are:

• The lymphatic system.

• The skin.

• The lungs.

• The gastrointestinal tract.

Signs that could indicate excess toxins in your body:

• Decay and persistent fatigue. This symptom can appear as a result of the exaggerated use of energy by the body to try to eliminate excess toxins.

• Unpleasant mouth odor. Although this clinical sign can have multiple causes, a possible excess of toxins should not be ruled out.

• Constipation and gas: As we explained the accumulation of toxins in the intestines causes inflammation of the mucous membranes that can generate gas and constipation.

• Irritated skin, inflamed eyes, asthma, and frequent infections: These symptoms can appear as we have already explained because of alterations of the immune system caused by excess toxins.

• Overweight or obesity without substantial changes in diet or in the level of daily physical activities.

How can we contribute to the reduction of toxins in our organism?

• By eliminating tobacco, alcohol, fatty and processed foods.

• Follow a moderate diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and legumes, due to their high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant s