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What happens when the world attacks us?
26th September
Last Friday, one of them tried to run me over...
Another one's sent me to hospital with a broken wrist...
And at some point or another they've all caused me sleepless nights and driven me to tears.
I am, of course, talking about my children and in spite of the fact that they regularly try to maim or kill me, I love them to bits.
Which is why stories like this are so alarming...
You are what you eat... and breathe
Here's a shameful 'gold medal' position that Britain currently enjoys...
It seems that the UK is top of the league table for asthma in 1314 year olds.
And the figures are rising all the time.
If that wasn't bad enough, our children are also suffering from allergic rhinitis, eczema, food allergy, drug allergy and lifethreatening anaphylaxis in far greater numbers with every passing year.
Anawhat?
Anaphylaxis which means the opposite of protection is the term given to serious and extremely quick allergic reactions that can kill.
And hospital admission for anaphylaxis has increased sevenfold in the past decade.
Want more good news?
- Traffic pollution has been linked with a small but detectable reduction in lung growth in children.
- Bronchitis in children is on the up thanks to pollutants.
- Respiratory virus infection in asthmatic children has never been greater, thanks to our love of using the car to pop out to get a paper.
But that's not all that's attacking us...
Hormones used in the dairy industry, chemicals used in drugs, additives used in our drinking water, agents in our carpets, in paint, in our mattresses...
The world today produces more toxic substances than ever before.
And as a result, our immune systems are crumbling.
So what delightful ailments can you expect as a result?
Well, I'd like to hand you over to an expert Dr. Gary Null to explain that one.
The worst pick 'n' mix in the world
Different people react to environmental conditions in different ways.
As well as those already mentioned, symptoms can include exhaustion, muscles aches, heart irregularities, flulike symptoms, ringing in the ears, burning in the eyes, mild or severe headaches, colon problems, sleep disorders, loss of balance, skin disorders, inability to concentrate, panic attacks...
... it really is a nearendless list.
Since there are so many possible symptoms, environmental illnesses can be difficult to diagnose. Routine blood tests frequently yield normal results and lead doctors to believe that no problem exists.
Hmmm... now THAT'S a problem!
While no conventional medical treatment exists for environmental illness, there are some things people can do to minimise or reverse the damage and better protect themselves from continued exposure:
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The stress that's good for you
Heat Stress Detoxification involves wood saunas, hot sand packing, steam baths and sweat lodges... but rather than simply turn up at a sauna at sweat it out for fifteen minutes, you need the guidance of trained practitioners who understand toxins and their effects on the body.
Eat yourself clean
The foods we eat have a great impact on our system.
Many of the meat products in this country contain toxins, concentrated in the tissues since animal feed is often treated with chemicals.
Also, crops are treated with pesticides, which get into our system as soon as we eat them. That's why it's best to buy organic if at all possible. Forget the extra cost - you're not buying it for better taste, you're buying it for better health.
Keep eating the greens!
There's been a marked reduction in fruit/vegetable and intake, and that means the amount of natural anti-oxidants helping our bodies out has decreased. So build them up, and get eating!
Need a little extra help...?
There are many nutrients that can help reverse the effects of chemical exposure, including:
- L-glutamine is an amino acid that gets involved with tons of body functions. It is important in the regulation of acid-base balance, allowing the kidneys to lose excess acid and keep the body levels regulated.
- Carnitine is a protein that is essential to burn up fat. Red meats, particularly lamb and beef, have high levels of this protein. But as always - try and buy organic.
- Magnesium keeps your heart beat steady, promotes a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Halibut, almonds, cashews and spinach are all excellent sources.
- Chelated manganese is an important activator for many enzyme systems, helping absorb and fatty acids in your system.
And most important of all...
Try to avoid toxins in the first place
Avoiding foods microwaved in plastic wrap, buying unscented toiletries... even keeping your car windows open when you're on the road...
... every little step you take to avoid toxins will strengthen your immune system and make your body a less easy target for disease.
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Wise words indeed.
So there you have it. I tried to resist banging on about the moral issues involved here.
I didn't even rubbish big business for putting profit before health and ruining our environment.
Well, there's no point really, is there? It's a bit like saying Attila the Hun was a really, really bad person. It may be true, but it doesn't solve anything.
Ooops... there I go again. I just can't resist. Time to take some deep breaths and leave you in peace to enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Until next time,
Yours as ever,
Ray Collins |
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