strategy 2

Eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Living in challenging environments increases your need for vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.  Choose quality, nutrient-dense whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, and quality meat and dairy products.  Preparing whole foods does take more time, but it is an important investment in your long-term health.

strategy 3

Buy the cleanest food you can afford

Organic produce is grown without the use of toxic pesticides and therefore add fewer toxins to your body.   The 12 worst produce in this regard are called the “Dirty Dozen” (see www.ewg.org).  So eat less of the “Dirty Dozen” and more of the “Clean 15” produce, which absorb and retain the least pesticides.  This approach has the greatest impact on your health with less of an impact on your wallet.  But also remember that non-organic whole foods are healthier than eating processed foods.

strategy 4

Reduce consumption of processed foods

Packaged foods are very convenient and tempting to use when you have a busy schedule.  But they contain many artificial chemicals and additives and fewer nutrients, depriving your body of what it needs to stay healthy.  Choosing to eat more whole foods and less processed foods will help you move toward a healthier life.

strategy 5

Reduce sugar, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption

Sugar, caffeine, nicotine (including second-hand smoke) and alcohol consumption will deplete your body of vitamins and minerals.  Reduce or eliminate these ingredients for better health. 

strategy 6

Drink adequate water every day

Many physical symptoms occur just because of being dehydrated.  Drinking water also helps to flush out toxins from your body.  In toxic places, drink and cook with properly filtered water, such as reverse osmosis filtered water, to avoid getting sick and ingesting hazardous chemicals.  A basic rule of thumb is your body weight in pounds divided by 2 equals the number of ounces of water to drink daily, or your body weight in kilograms divided by 30 is the number of liters to drink daily.

strategy 7

Buy less toxic, more eco-friendly cleaners

As with food shopping, look at the ingredient labels for cleaning products.  Choose the least toxic options that you can, especially if you have small children that crawl and touch everything!  White distilled vinegar and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are both great non-toxic, anti-bacterial cleaning ingredients for things like washing produce, cleaning furniture, deodorizing laundry, and freshening the air.

strategy 8

Add toxin-absorbing plants to your home

It is well documented that a number of common plants have the ability to absorb toxic chemicals from the air.  Adding these plants in your home will help reduce the toxins in the air.  The 6 that filter 3 of the 4 toxins tested are English Ivy, Peace Lily, Red-edged Dracaena (marginata), Dracaena Warneckii, Gerber Daisy, and Potted Mum.

strategy 9

Make time to relax and de-stress

Emotional and spiritual health are also important parts of your overall health.  Stress can destroy us physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Because everyone responds to stress differently, pay attention to how often you need to take a break and how much time you need to de-stress and re-charge yourself.  You may need more than your normal amount of sleep and de-stress time if you live in a hard place.  Spend time with people you love and enjoy being with to refresh your heart and soul.

strategy 10

Begin and maintain a regular exercise routine

A regular exercise routine is so important for overall health in so many ways.  Click HERE to read the Mayo Clinic’s article that lists a number of great benefits of exercise including controlling weight, lowering risk of infections and chronic diseases, improving mood, energy and sleep.  Choose a type of exercise that you will enjoy and works with your time and budget.  Also work on being consistent, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day.