We hear about environmental illness every day on the news. Some of these toxins seem so unavoidable, it can be overwhelming! Let’s focus on the things that you CAN do for yourself and your family to help minimize your exposure to toxins. Our whole staff got together to pitch in their favorite ideas on how to maintain environmental wellness.

1. Get exercise. “It’s a great way to help keep your body and mind strong, while improving your immune system and sweating out toxins,” explains Holistic Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, Judy Penta.
2. Eat local and organic produce. “Choosing locally-grown, organic foods support your body, the local economy and the environment,” says Penta. “Berries are among my personal favorites for overall wellbeing. They are packed with anti-oxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Thomas Goforth, Family Medicine Physician. “And kale is another little food with big returns.”
3. Focus on the good. Turn your attention to the positive things that are happening around you. Even if you’re in a bad mood, noticing the joyous laugh of a baby or the beauty of a tree whose leaves are turning deep crimson for autumn can put you back in a positive frame of mind.
4. Sleep well. “Sleep’s role in overall wellness is greatly under-rated. Especially in urban areas, this is a big health problem. The bedroom is for two things only: sleep and sex. Practice good sleep hygiene by turning off the TV or computer, dimming the lights and using relaxing music to create a peaceful environment,” explains Dr. Goforth.
5. Take a technology holiday. Just one day a week try turning off your cell phone, powering down your laptop and step outside to enjoy nature. It’s helpful for your body, mind and spirit to have a break from being bombarded by information every minute. You may even notice that your stress levels go down and it’s easier to be “in the moment”.
6. Reuse your bottle. “Try a stainless steel water bottle,” suggests Leah Barber our supplements advisor. This helps you prevent ingesting toxic chemicals from plastic bottles. It also decreases the amount of waste being sent to landfills.
7. Detox your liver. “N-Acetyl Cysteine is a supplement that is great for supporting your liver in detoxification of heavy metals and other toxic chemicals,” recommends Barber. Additionally, I highly recommend doing a good liver cleanse 2-4 times per year. It helps keep your body in shape from inside-out.
8. Enjoy detox foods. If doing a liver cleanse program sounds daunting to you, you can incorporate these foods in your daily meals to help your body detox every day: burdock root, dandelion greens, artichoke, turmeric, beets, and fennel.
9. Choose clean meat. “If you choose to eat chicken, beef, pork or other types of animal protein, choose versions raised without the use of antibiotics, pesticides and hormones. This will help you avoid contaminating your own body with these toxic substances and support farmers who are using conscious farming practices,” adds Gina Guariglia, New Patient Coordinator.
10. Clean green. “Choose ‘green’ or home-made natural cleaning products,” says Guariglia. These are surprisingly easy and fun to make with many household products you may already have.

Are you ready to boost your environmental wellness? Partner with one of our holistic medical doctors to evaluate your whole body’s health and create a plan for total health.

Mention this article to get $25 off your office visit with one of our out-of-network medical doctors before October 31st, 2012.  For more information about Patients Medical call 347-269-4762 or visit www.patientsmedical.com

Written By:  Dr. Rashi Gulati

Parients Medical

800 Second Ave, Suite 900

New York, NY 10017

347.269.4762

www.patientsmedical.com