Ep. 41 - The Optimal Health Model: Maximize, Minimize, & Prioritize - Part 2

There are three steps to The Optimal Health Model: maximizing what is needed, minimizing what is harmful, and prioritizing an environment for healing.   Back in episode 35, we covered the maximizing part. Today, I’m focusing on minimizing.   So what exactly do we need to Minimize for our bodies to feel Optimal and functioning on all cylinders? Anything that can be harmful, degrading, disabling in some way:   Toxins   We are constantly surrounded by poisonous substances, which affect our minds and bodies. It’s important to recognize that toxins can be found externally (outside your body) or created internally (inside your body).   Examples of external toxins are: pollution, second hand cigarette smoke and pesticides. Internal toxins, on the other hand, include: bad bacteria and yeast create dangerous toxins right inside your body. A low-grade, chronic viral infection and chronic stress, anxiety or negative thinking all add to the total body burden of toxins.   Yes, even your thoughts are a source of toxicity!   Here are the top 5 sources of toxins, along with recommendations to reduce your exposure:   Food   Your food has more toxins than you may think. The biggest culprit for toxic exposure is processed foods, which are full of chemicals and additives that can create symptoms ranging from cravings and weight gain to poor digestive health and food allergies.   But it’s not just packaged food to avoid. Conventional produce is also full of pesticides. In fact, over one billion pounds of pesticides are used on food in the US alone. These pesticides have been linked to symptoms ranging from muscle cramps and heart rate changes to irritability to emotional instability.   To reduce your exposure to food toxins: Choose whole foods instead of processed foods and choose organic fruits and vegetables. EWG.org created a list of the best things to buy organic (The Dirty Dozen) and a list of things you don’t actually have to worry about (The Clean 15).   Water   Do you know the source of your water?   Tap water is teeming with toxins. The Environmental Working Group found over 140 contaminants in tap water. And many bottled waters have been shown to be just as bad as tap water, not to mention toxins that leach from the plastic bottles themselves.   To reduce your exposure to water toxins: If you have only tap water in your home, you might consider getting a whole house water filter or an Aquasana sink and shower filter, to reduce your exposure to the major toxins.   Environment   Whether inside your home or outside your home, the environment is also a major source of toxins. Pollution...