Spring Cleaning isn't just for closets! What about the junk that's collected in our bodies. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program know that we are exposed to more than 80,000 different chemicals on a daily basis, with only a small portion tested for safety.

Dr. Levitt recently returned from another conference on toxins and how they impact our wellness. She is continually seeking to help her patients live a healthier, cleaner lifestyle. Because of that commitment, we'll explore various steps you can take to do that here and in subsequent newsletters.

Cleansing our lives from toxins is much more difficult than you might think. It requires conscious decision-making throughout our busy day. For March, we'd like to you to think about the simple act of how you store your food, the containers your food or drink comes from. We probably hardly give much of a thought to:

You may have heard of BPA or Bisphenol A. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. They may also be used in other consumer goods. Epoxy resins are used to coat the inside of metal products, such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply lines. Epoxy coatings line the more than 131 billion food and beverage cans produced in the U.S. annually. Some dental sealants and composites also may contain BPA.

These chemicals can leach into your food or water. BPA is a synthetic estrogen that can disrupt the endocrine system. It has been linked to a number of health problems such as breast cancer, miscarriage, reproductive system cancer, obesity, diabetes, early puberty, prostate cancer, genetic damage, ovarian dysfunction, and behavioral changes in children. It is also believe that plastic can leach a type of neurotoxin and impact red blood cells and cause liver and kidney damage. And then there is the impact on weight. When plastic molecules enter human body they mimic estrogen due to having a similar chemical structure. Besides the other negative health effects, this "artificial" estrogen also decreases the levels of testosterone in the body (in men and women). Low levels of testosterone lead to muscle mass loss and body fat gain. (Dr. Levitt can help with   testosterone replacement, if it fits your needs.)

Arizonans have adopted some unique habits with plastic water bottles compounding these issues. Putting a plastic water bottle in the freezer and then using it throughout the day is dangerous. Changes in the chemicals of the plastic occur when it's frozen and then later thaws. Even worse is drinking from a plastic water bottle that's been in the Arizona heat for the day.   Plastics break down through the act of cold and heat. If you have water that's been exposed in this way, pour it on a plant or grass to put it to good use. And tell your friends. Help them avoid these chemicals as well if you see them using these bad habits.

 

Dr. Levitt suggests you follow these few quick tips to get rid of some of the chemicals you might be inadvertently putting into your body:

Stay hydrated to support one of the simplest and most effective ways to cleanse your body of toxins. Strive for a minimum of eight 8 oz. glasses a day. And now with the temperatures heating up, going beyond that would be helpful.

We invite you to show off your healthy habits on our Facebook page. Anyone who posts a photo with your glass containers or glass water bottles will be entered into a drawing for a 20 oz. Contigo Purity Glass Water Bottle. Please post your photo by March 31.

Next month we'll delve into simple actions you can take to keep more toxins out of your home. Cheers.

If you are looking for food inspiration, look no further than the Greater Phoenix area in March and April. Local Farmer's Markets are chock full of seasonal items and with beautiful weather comes outdoor food festivals. Find a local farmer's market by consulting Local First's " Good Food Finder" or the Arizona's Farmer's Markets website for a local listing. Once you've purchased your food, make sure you know if and when it is no longer safe to eat by downloading the "Is My Food Safe?" app for your mobile phone.

 

And if you are looking to sample some of the great food offerings in our community, there are a number of food festivals, such as the Italian Festival, Scottsdale Culinary Festival and Flavors of the West. Find the complete guide here.

Seeking healing, harmony and balance? Check out the upcoming Jin Shin Jyutsu class from one of IPC's service providers, Debbie Elman, on April 8 at Changing Hands Tempe. From 2pm-4pm, participants will learn to apply simple sequences through using their hands to relieve daily stresses and discomforts. Debbie will also be teaching easy first aid routines to benefit ourselves and others (including pets!). Class fee is $20 and registration can be completed online.

To schedule an appointment with Debbie at the IPC office, please call 480-776-0626 or 480-775-2671. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a Japanese healing art that balances body, mind and spirit by using our hands. A gentle applied touch can help release the causes of acute and chronic conditions such as headaches, allergies, arthritis, indigestion, reproductive issues for men and women, menopause symptoms and much more.

Ever wonder how to heal wounds more quickly or shorten the time of a cold or sinus infection? Agentyn 23 collodial silver might be something for you to explore more closely. IPC providers are seeing some great benefits for those wanting natural antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory options. IPC stocks "silver" in a fine mist spray, vertical spray or liquid bottles of 4, 8 and 16oz. and prices range from $16-$98. One of Dr. Levitt's sources for natural medicine, Dr. Axe, touts the many uses for colloidal silver and we encourage you read more before considering a purchase. As usual, we also encourage you to talk with Dr. Levitt or one of our IPC providers to make sure this makes sense for you.