Introduction

Toxins are substances that affect the body, causing several health conditions. We are continuously exposed to toxins in our daily lives. It can be found in our foods, skin products, soaps, perfumes, and detergents. We are also exposed to the pollutants in the air, water, and soil. Additionally, there is also work-place based exposure to specific toxins.

When these toxins build up, they cause various signs in the body, which may worsen the affected organs and cause diseases related to the liver, kidneys, and various autoimmune diseases.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs associated with the accumulation of toxins in the body so that they can be identified before causing irreversible damage. In the article, we tend to explain a few signs of toxins in the body and how they affect the body through their continuous build-up. We have also tried to explain the ways of reducing toxin exposure and accumulation.

Types of Toxins

Toxins can be generally classified into two types, based on the mechanism of exposure and their effects.

• Environmental Toxins: These are the toxins present in our environment that we are exposed to. Some examples of environmental toxins are pollutants, insecticides, heavy metals, industrial gases, and items of our daily use like food preservatives, soaps, and beauty products.
• Microbial toxins: These are produced by microbial organisms like bacteria and fungi. The effects caused by the toxins are acute and severe.

Signs of a build-up of toxins in the body

The accumulation of toxins in the body can lead to various signs and symptoms depending on the type of toxin exposed, the amount of toxins, and the time period of exposure. Some common signs of a build-up of toxins in the body are:

Brain Fog

Toxins can directly affect the functioning of the brain at the cellular level by causing cell death and affecting cellular proliferation. It also affects the utilization of important micronutrients, which functions as an important part of brain functioning. Thus, the accumulation of toxins can cause neurological disorders including brain fog, which comprises symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and lack of focus.

Toxin exposure in early childhood may also cause problems with brain development and thus intellectual dysfunction.

Digestive problems

Processed foods usually consist of chemicals in the form of preservatives, colorants, and artificial flavors. These chemicals can accumulate in the body, causing digestive problems such as indigestion, stomach upset, and constipation.

Thus, eating organic homemade food reduces the risk of chemical exposure and is good for bowel health.

Fatigue

The build-up of toxins in the body can cause low energy levels and research has also shown there is a direct link associated between low energy levels and exposure to pesticides and metals. Toxins can build up in muscles and joints, causing aches and pains.

Unusual body odor

When there is a build-up of toxins, the body tries to get rid of the toxins through sweat and urine. Thus, there is a production of abnormal body odor. Thus, unusual body odor, urine odor, and bad breath can be signs of toxin overload.

Skin Problems

The skin is exposed to chemicals and toxins due to its large surface area and frequent contact with chemicals. The skin removes toxins through sweat. Due to frequent exposure, there is a high risk of skin reactions associated with toxins, which manifest as rashes, acne, boils, and eczema. People working in chemical factories are commonly exposed to the toxins affecting the skin.

Weight gain

Toxins such as pesticides are lipophilic and can cause an accumulation of fat in the body. So, people may have a hard time losing weight if there is continuous exposure to toxins.

Diseases associated with the build-up of toxins in the body

Liver disease

The liver is the organ responsible for detoxifying toxins into inactive metabolites, which can be removed from the kidneys. However, when there is an overload of toxins, it cannot metabolize the toxins effectively, and this can cause injury to the liver, causing chronic liver disease.

Cancer

Toxins are also responsible for DNA damage and cause destabilization of DNA strands. The damage in the DNA accelerates the aging process and increases the risk of certain cancers. The risk of cancer further increases when the toxins are from radioactive waste. So, people working in the area of radiation exposure are at an increased risk of DNA damage.

Autoimmune diseases

There are certain mechanisms by which toxins in the body cause autoimmune diseases.

• By damaging the DNA inside the cell, there is an alteration of the antigenic protein. This alteration in the antigenicity of the cells causes the immune system to start attacking the body’s own cells, causing various autoimmune diseases.
• Toxins also stimulate the immune system so that there is an overdrive of the immune system, causing autoimmune diseases.
• Toxins can cause damage to the thymus, an organ responsible for T-cells production. This damage can cause abnormal T-cells production, which starts attacking normal cells.

Ways to Reduce Toxin Build Up

Exposure to toxins is inevitable with our modern lifestyle. However, there are ways in which we can reduce our exposure to toxins and avoid the build-up of toxins in our bodies to a harmful level.

• Reduce consumption of processed foods and sugar.
• Use organic products as far as possible.
• Consume an anti-oxidants rich diet like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption
• Be physically active and exercise regularly.
• Reduce stress through good sleep, meditation, and yoga.

Conclusion

Toxins are harmful substances that can cause various signs and symptoms, resulting in chronic diseases if they continue to accumulate. So, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the build-up of toxins in the body and take the necessary precautions to avoid negative consequences.

Although it is not possible to completely avoid toxin exposure, it can be limited and the effects of toxins can also be minimized by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

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