SANTIVIA BLOG

What is a toxin?

You may immediately think of something which is a poison, such as arsenic. You are not wrong. However, toxins are anything that damages the body and negatively affects health.

Toxins can cause harm by:

• Destroying enzymes responsible for countless bodily functions.
• Displacing calcium in the bones resulting in weaker bones.
• Damaging DNA (which in turn increases the rate of ageing and degeneration).
• Interfering with hormones and causing an imbalance.
• Damaging organs, particularly those involved in detoxification, such as the digestive tract, liver and kidneys.  
• Impairing ability to detoxify such that the body becomes toxic. 

Medications are toxins

We think of medications as essential to solve our medical problems. And they are indeed necessary in some cases. However, it’s also important to be aware that most medicines are synthetic chemicals, and these can hurt our immune system. 

Antibiotics

Antibiotics kill good bacteria in the gut as well as harmful bacteria which is being targeted by the antibiotic. The gut ecosystem is upset, and yeast overgrowth, leaky gut, inflammation and even auto-immune disease can occur. 

As 70% of immune molecules are in the gut, the gut microbiome plays a role in overall immune function. We should only use antibiotics when absolutely necessary. If you have taken antibiotics, you should work to repair your gut by eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits as well as probiotics and prebiotic foods.

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, while being fast-acting, have side effects that affect the gut lining, deplete B vitamins in your body and affect your DNA. Save them for when you genuinely need them, and not for regular use.

Ideally, the first line of defence would be to change your lifestyle habits which may be causing these medical issues, such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet.

Secondly, try to use natural solutions which have none or fewer side effects. Curcumin found in turmeric root, as well as Omega 3-rich foods, are naturally anti-inflammatory.

Cardiovascular medications

Many people are on blood pressure medication, which is chemicals and hence harm your immune system.

During this Covid-19 period, when people have been confined to home, we have heard first- hand stories of a significant improvement in reduction of blood pressure, such that they reduced their dose of blood pressure medication. What has occurred is that they were eating more healthy home-cooked by family members who tend towards a higher vegetarian, less red meat, processed, alcohol and low sugar diet. Just two months of a healthy diet brought about this improvement in blood pressure.

Are you aware of the pros and cons of your medication? Consider if there are healthier and safer alternatives. If not, do your best to mitigate the adverse effects.

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