Fast Diets For Dummies
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Enhance your fast by removing as many toxins from the home as you can. Toxins in your home include any pollutants that are in your daily surroundings.

Here are some common toxins and what to do about them:

  • Cleaning solutions: Cleaning products can be hazardous because you inhale chemicals in the fumes that these products often give off. Drain openers, air fresheners, ammonia-based cleaners, and chlorine bleach all contain toxins. These toxins are neurotoxic chemicals, meaning that they're damaging to your nervous system.

    The good news is that many nontoxic cleaners are widely available, so you don't need to use neurotoxic chemicals to clean your house. Try an all-natural cleaner or use some old-fashioned ingredients, like borax, baking soda, vinegar, soap, and water.

  • Indoor air: Most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, so air quality is paramount. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outside air because of the chemical products people use, which they come in contact with and inhale.

    To reduce toxins from indoor air, you can do a couple things:

    • Get some good ol’ fresh air: Make sure you allow your home to get fresh air every day. Crack open the windows just enough to permit airflow. When it's really cold, just open them for five minutes, and it'll still help.

    • Buy a good air purifier: You want the purifier to filter bacteria, molds, toxic fumes, smoke, dust, dander, pollens, static electricity, and hydrocarbons (from cooking). You can find great units at most home improvement stores.

  • Dry cleaning: Keeping your dry cleaning to a minimum can keep your home and your skin healthier.

  • Carpets, rugs, and furniture: Carpeting is heavily sprayed with insecticides. Toxic carpets are one of the most dangerous toxins you can have because you're exposed to them all day and all night. You can reduce toxins in carpets or rugs by airing them outside for a few days before you place them in your home.

    Also, instead of wall-to-wall carpets, opt for area rugs to reduce toxins. Always look for natural fibers, such as wool-cotton blend, and make sure they don't have a latex backing.

About This Article

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About the book authors:

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, author and nutritionist, appears on various news streams nationally and conducts workshops and seminars worldwide to help people feel — and look — their best. She is also the author of the popular website www.DrKellyann.com and gives daily news, tips and inspiration on twitter @drkellyann. Patrick Flynn, a fitness minimalist, is the coauthor of Paleo Workouts For Dummies, and the driving force behind a top 500 Health and Wellness blog Chronicleofstrength.com.

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