Pesticide use is very common. Unfortunately, chemicals that are strong enough to kill small bugs and pests can cause health problems in humans and pets as well, especially with repeated exposure to such chemicals. You can detox from pesticide poisoning using natural remedies which include activated charcoal powder, plenty of fresh water, herbs and exercise.
Unfortunately, the widespread use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides has detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Superbugs and superweeds are springing up. And when one certain pest is eliminated, we learn what pests those pests were actually helping with. Suddenly another type of pest management is needed and another chemical is added to the ecosystem.
In addition to the damage to the ecosystem, animals and humans are harmed by regular exposure to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. All of these chemicals have one thing in common - "cide." Simply put, the suffix "-cide" means "a person or substance that kills." Perhaps one application of a pesticide that kills a particular bug or plant will not cause much harm. But how many pesticides are humans and animals exposed to in the course of a year or a decade?
Who is at Risk for Pesticide Poisoning?
Children, pets, the elderly and those with serious health problems are at particular risk for poisoning from pesticides. The amount of a pesticide that can cause health problems will be less for those of a lower body weight, like children and pets. The bodies of those with significant health challenges will be less able to deal with the assault of pesticides and other chemicals.
Pesticides and herbicides are associated with many different types of diseases, including cancers, tumors, neurological diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
Sources of Pesticides, Herbicides and Fungicides
Pesticides are commonly used in parks, on school grounds, and on golf courses. Homeowners use pesticides and herbicides to keep lawns weed and pest free. Row crop farmers spray their crops with chemicals. And some areas even spray pesticides across large areas of land to eliminate certain pests like mosquitoes.
Much of the food that is available today has residual pesticides and herbicides on it or in it.
Water supplies are contaminated with pesticides and herbicides, in addition to many other toxins from pharmaceuticals and chemicals that are added to the water.
Humans and pets are regularly consuming and drinking poisons. When these toxins are sprayed into the air, humans and pets are breathing them into the lungs and absorbing them into the skin as well.
What is a body to do? Most people cannot move to a remote island or forest to avoid the toxic environment. But neither is that necessary. There are a number of things that you can do to remove pesticides from your body and improve your health.
How to Remove Pesticides and Herbicides from the Body
Water
Plenty of water or herbal tea helps to flush toxins out of the body. Water filters can help to reduce the pesticides and other chemicals in the water.
Exercise
Exercise is important for your health. You will help the lymph to flow better in your body, improving your immune response, and help the toxins to move out through your sweat. Exercise will reduce your stress and improve your overall health as well.
Sunshine
If you can get your exercise out in the sun, all the better. The sun gives your body vitamin D, which assists your immune system. It is good for your mood, too.
Dietary Considerations
Give your body quality fuel to deal with chemical assaults. Your body needs whole foods that have not been processed. Reduce the amounts of sugar, white flour and pre-packaged foods that you eat. Choose organic foods when they fit the budget. Bring a healthy lunch to work and avoid frequent fast food consumption.
Detox your Liver
Toxins and chemicals accumulate in your liver. Herbs like milk thistle and dandelion can help your body to move those chemicals out of the liver.
Detox your Blood
Turmeric root and burdock root are both blood purifying herbs. These can be taken in capsules or as teas. Turmeric is commonly mixed in milk and taken daily for a multitude of health benefits.
Activated Charcoal Powder
Activated charcoal powder will remove many toxins from your body. It can be taken in capsules or the powder can be mixed in water. You can take charcoal baths to remove toxins. Charcoal poultices over the liver helps remove poisons from the liver.
If you are regularly exposed to pesticides, you can take a bit of charcoal each day. One capsule or tablet can be taken away from meals and medications.
If you know that you have had a recent and significant exposure to a toxin, for example, if your neighborhood has been sprayed with chemicals, take an activated charcoal tablet with a glass of water twice a day for a couple of weeks. Take charcoal away from food and medications, and always with plenty of water to avoid constipation.
Clay Baths
Baths with medicinal clays will draw poisons out of the skin and into the clay.
Pesticide Poisoning and Pets
Pets are at particular risk for certain types of pesticide poisoning. Pet's faces and bodies can have a lot of direct contact with pesticides if their outdoor areas are regularly sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Toxins will absorb right through the skin. Tumors and cancers are an increasing problem for pets and environmental toxins are a likely cause. The natural remedies above can be used for your pets as well. The clay bath would be the one method above that would probably not be very practical for most pets!
Do you have a natural remedy for pesticide poisoning? We would love to hear from you!
Additional pages of interest:
Detox Baths
Chemical Sensitivity
Natural Remedies for Detoxification
