HEADACHES

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MAGNESIUM & TURMERIC VS IBUPROFEN & ACETAMINOPHEN

What are The Benefits vs The Risks? 

I’m guessing almost everyone has experienced a headache at some point in their life, for one reason or another.

There are many causes of headaches: Dehydration, Hormonal Imbalance, Illness, Physical Trauma, Tension, Eye Strain, Sinus Pressure, Migraine – are some that come to mind.

And there are many treatments too.

IBUPROFEN

As a pharmacist, my go to headache remedy was always ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). This worked for me most of the time and logically made sense. Most causes of headaches create some type of inflammation in the body and ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, temporarily reduce the amount of prostaglandins made by your body.

PROSTAGLANDINS

What are these things called prostaglandins?

Your body releases prostaglandins when you have an injury. These hormone-like substances contribute to inflammation, which includes swelling, fever, and increased sensitivity to pain.

Great! Ibuprofen! – A simple solution for a simple problem. Right?

BENEFITS VS RISKS OF IBUPROFEN

I’ve been taught to weigh the benefits versus the risks for any medication or treatment. This is good advice for anyone contemplating a health decision.

So the next logical question: 

Does the use of ibuprofen to treat a headache outweigh the risk?

Getting rid of a headache is definitely a benefit but ibuprofen has many potential side effects.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN

The more common side effects of ibuprofen are related to the  GI (gastrointestinal) system: :

  • Stomach Pain / Irritation of the Stomach Lining
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Constipation or Diarrhea
SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN

There are other side effects, they are more uncommon but more severe, and definitely more concerning risks:

  • Heart attack and stroke
    • This is a rare side effect, but your risk increases if you use too much ibuprofen or use it for too long. 
    • Your risk is even higher if you:
      • Have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke
      • Have a clotting disorder
      • Take other medications that affect how your blood clots
  • Decreased Kidney Function and Increased Blood Pressure
    • This is related to ibuprofen’s effect on prostaglandins.
    • Prostaglandins help keep the pressure in your kidneys at the right level to filter the fluids in your body and maintain blood pressure.
    • Since ibuprofen changes your body’s production of prostaglandins, this can cause an imbalance in your body fluid pressure, which can decrease kidney function and increase blood pressure.
      • Your risk is even higher if you:
        • Are an older adult
        • Have kidney disease
        • Take blood pressure medications
  • Ulcers and Bleeding in the Stomach and Intestines
    • Prostaglandins again! – they help maintain the constant repair of your stomach lining, which protects it from the stomach acid.
    • Since ibuprofen decreases prostaglandin production, it increases your risk for stomach damage such as bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
    • This is not a common side effect, but the risk increases the longer you use ibuprofen. 
    • Other factors that increase your risk include:
      • Again, older age
      • History of ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
      • Use of oral steroids or blood thinners 
      • Smoking
      • Alcohol use
IS THE BENEFIT WORTH THE RISK?

That is a lot of potential risk for the benefit of getting rid of a headache!

What are your other options?

ACETAMINOPHEN

There is acetaminophen (Tylenol). This has not worked well for me personally for getting rid of a headache, but it is a top recommendation of many doctors and pharmacists, especially if there are reasons that a person should not take ibuprofen or NSAIDs.

It’s not fully known how acetaminophen works. It doesn’t reduce swelling or inflammation. Instead, it’s thought to block the release of certain chemicals in your brain that signal the sensation of pain.

CONCERNING SIDE EFFECTS OF ACETAMINOPHEN

Acetaminophen doesn’t have many of the more common side effects like ibuprofen but the potential harm it can do to your body’s liver is very concerning and worth considering before taking a dose for a headache.

Your liver is your main detox pathway in your body. It processes environmental toxins, pesticides or other toxins from your food and water, medications, alcohol and everything else that you put into or onto your body.

  • Severe liver damage
    • Acetaminophen poisoning can happen from taking too much acetaminophen. 
    • Your liver processes acetaminophen and converts it into a different substance. If you take large amounts of acetaminophen, your liver produces more of that substance. And when there is too much of it, that substance can damage your liver. 
    • Permanent liver damage is not likely if you take it at the recommended dose for a short period of time.
    • Unfortunately acetaminophen overuse is more common than you think. This can occur in:
      • Adults who take more than 3 g (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period – That is just 6 tablets of 500mg each.
      • Children who take more than five doses in a 24-hour period
      • People who already have liver disease or who take other medications that can damage the liver
      • People who drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day, even when they take acetaminophen at the recommended dosage

The risks of ibuprofen or acetaminophen are a lot to consider but those aren’t your only options.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is a vital nutrient that plays a part in more than 300 of the body’s processes. Magnesium deficiency can cause many issues, including headaches. 

MUSCLE MOVEMENTS

Because of the role magnesium plays in muscle contraction and relaxation, it can be effective for reducing tension headaches and migraines.  Magnesium has the potential to both prevent headaches as well as eliminate an existent headache.

NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION

Magnesium plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system. This is part of the body’s stress response system. A reduced magnesium level in the body can decrease your ability to deal with stress, which can lead to headaches, among other things.

DEHYDRATION / SWEATING

Most people aren’t consuming enough magnesium per day and some people may be more susceptible to magnesium loss. When you sweat – due to exercise, menopausal hot flashes or illness – you lose water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, etc). This can lead to dehydration if both water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, etc) are not replenished. 

MAGNESIUM IN YOUR DIET

Adding magnesium rich foods into your diet is essential. These include:  dark leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds (almonds and pumpkin seeds), and even organic dark chocolate.

Many people are deficient in magnesium. This can be a result of eating refined and processed food, the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and because of mineral depletion in our soil, and subsequently in our food. 

MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION

Magnesium supplementation is a great option. Choose a supplement that is readily absorbed like Natural Vitality’s Calm (Mg carbonate) or Advanced Magnesium (Mg Malate, Mg Glycinate).

Magnesium is a safe and well-tolerated option for preventing headaches and can be used as an acute treatment option as well. 

Magnesium supplementation does have the potential to cause diarrhea for some people. This occurs with certain forms of magnesium that are not well absorbed, like magnesium oxide or when taking high doses of any form. 

Too much dietary magnesium is typically not a problem for healthy people, as any excess will be processed by the kidneys and be excreted in urine. 

TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

Turmeric is an herb closely related to the ginger family. It is native to India and is one of the main ingredients in curry dishes. The bright yellow color of turmeric is due to the curcumin it contains. Whether you love curry dishes, dislike them or have never tried them, the benefits of turmeric / curcumin are amazing.

Most of the research on turmeric centers on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can be helpful with preventing and managing headaches since Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of headaches and migraines. The research is not conclusive but it is promising. 

Most studies test the effects of curcumin — the active component in turmeric — because it’s much stronger than the powdered spice.

It’s important to know that curcumin supplements contain a much higher concentration of the beneficial polyphenols than the amount you’d get from eating curry — even if you love curry and eat it every day.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

There are many more benefits than side effects with turmeric / curcumin when eaten or taken in typical amounts (turmeric: consumed in teas, soups or curry dishes or curcumin: 400 – 600 mg per day) . When taken at higher doses, curcumin can cause some unpleasant side effects like nausea, diarrhea — and yes —  even headache.

Pure turmeric powders are considered safe for most people. When you are consuming turmeric, make sure you are buying it from a trusted source. Your best bet is to choose turmeric that has been certified by a reputable agency. Many powders, unfortunately, are adulterated. This means that cheaper and potentially toxic ingredients have been added and are not listed on the label.

Some commercial turmeric powders may contain fillers like barley, wheat or rye flour, which can cause adverse symptoms in people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Some turmeric powders may also contain questionable food colorants, which are added to improve color when the powder is diluted with flour. Some turmeric powders may also be high in lead, a heavy metal that is especially toxic to the nervous system.

CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTS

Weighing benefits vs risks is always the best way to decide if this supplement is something that may work for you. 

Curcumin has many benefits beyond preventing or treating headaches. It has anti-inflammatory properties; inflammation is the root cause of almost all diseases. It is rich in antioxidants, promotes liver health, improves brain function, improves heart health, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood glucose and helps to prevent blood clots.

The typical daily dosage is 400 to 600 milligram of curcumin per day, this is equivalent to approximately 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.

You can try this to prevent or manage a headache.

Because of the effect that curcumin supplements have on the different functions of the body they may conflict with other medications you are taking. If you are taking medications for various disease states, consult your physician before taking curcumin supplements.

My go to curcumin supplement is  Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract. It contains 400 mg of curcumin per capsule.

DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU

Next time you have a headache or if you suffer from recurring headaches, weigh your options and the benefits and risks they have to offer.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

WHY CALCIUM-D-GLUCARATE?

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A SUPPLEMENT TO SUPPPORT DETOXIFICATION

YOUR BODY IS AMAZING

Your body is amazing! It is always working behind the scenes to support you. 

Do you remember Benjamin Franklin’s old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” Your prevention is supporting your body with self care, sleep, being in nature, exercise and of course organic, unrefined, unprocessed foods, as fresh as possible and in their natural state. This is the best way to prevent overburdening your body with unwanted toxins.

Toxins will still find a way into your body: through the air you breathe, water you drink, foods you eat, items you clean with and products you put on your skin. Thankfully your liver works hard for you, filtering, binding and eliminating these toxins. 

It always feels good to “give back” and there are so many things you can do to support your liver in this process. In addition to the things mentioned above, there is a supplement called calcium-d-glucarate which assists the liver in everyday detox.

Calcium-D-Glucarate can help decrease your cholesterol, assists in protein digestion, and helps remove toxins and excess estrogen. 

HOW YOUR BODY GETS RID OF TOXINS

One way your liver eliminates toxins is through a process called conjugation. During conjugation, toxins are packaged into water soluble compounds called glucuronides. Glucuronides are meant to pass through the liver, to the bile, then to the gut where they are excreted. Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme that breaks the tight bond between glucuronides and toxins in the intestines. The binding of toxins in the gut is protective by way of blocking their absorption and facilitating excretion. Higher levels of beta-glucuronidase may be associated with an imbalanced intestinal microbiome, as well as higher circulating estrogens and decreased fecal excretion of estrogens. This allows toxins to continue to circulate in the body where they make you fat, tired, and weak.

HELLO CALCIUM-D-GLUCARATE

Calcium-D-Glucarate prevents high levels beta-glucuronidase from disturbing the detoxification process.  It keeps the toxins bound inside a “water soluble glucuronide package” which is then removed from the body.  Toxins are most damaging in their free form, which is why you want them to be bound (conjugated) and released from the body.  Calcium-D-Glucarate inhibits beta-glucuronidase and this allows the toxins to be removed more effectively.

There is technically not a deficiency of Calcium-D-Glucarate in the body because it is not essential. However, humans produce only small amounts, so it’s common to have low levels in your body.

Calcium-D-Glucarate is a natural substance your body produces. Small amounts are also found in fruits and vegetables. Years ago people were able to get enough Calcium-D-Glucarate from their own production since they ate relatively low amounts of toxins and lived in a clean environment. As toxin exposure increases, Calcium-D-Glucarate supplementation can assist in excreting the extra toxins.

FOUR BENEFITS OF TAKING A CALCIUM-D-GLUCARATE SUPPLEMENT

1. HELPS TO DETOX THE LIVER

Removing toxins from the liver will increase liver function and promote a healthy metabolism.  It will also allow your liver to flush out other toxins that would otherwise cause problems in your body..

2. HELPS TO REMOVE EXCESS ESTROGEN

High levels of beta-glucuronidase increases the number of estrogen receptors. This means estrogen that would have been excreted is now able to bind to more receptors. This can cause increased tissue growth and an inability to lose fat.

Estrogen dominance is one of the leading causes of infertility, mood imbalances, and other health problems in women.  

Calcium-D-Glucarate allows excess estrogen to be passed out of the body.  

High estrogen is also a problem for men.  Whether you are a man or woman, Calcium-D-Glucarate will help maintain proper hormone balance.

3. HELPS REDUCE CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is an important building block of hormones. Too much and too little cholesterol can cause problems in your body. As with many things in life, balance is the key.

Calcium-D-Glucarate is metabolized into glucaric salts.  Glucaric salts reduce beta-glucuronidase production by gut bacteria.  Reducing beta-glucuronidase enhances liver circulation which reduces cholesterol synthesis.  This causes lower cholesterol levels.

Calcium-D-Glucarate is not arbitrarily playing with cholesterol numbers, like the statin drugs.  It decreases stress on the liver which lowers your need for and production of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol.

When cells are stressed or damaged, they need cholesterol for repair. Inflammation in your body can be a root cause for high cholesterol levels. Decreasing inflammation through an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise and reducing stress can keep the need for cholesterol low, thus keeping cholesterol production in an optimal range.

4. ASSISTS IN ELIMINATION OF TOXIC BY-PRODUCTS OF PROTEIN METABOLISM

Your liver and kidneys are designed to efficiently process the protein you eat and allow for removal of harmful byproducts like ammonia.  However, with the excess toxic burden we experience today, your body is responsible not only for removing harmful byproducts like ammonia, but also for fending off xenoestrogens, air pollutants, chronic infections, and mycotoxins.  Consuming a high protein diet can definitely contribute to your body’s toxic burden. 

Suggested Protein Intake for an Average Adult:

  • 0.36 to 0.4 grams per pound body weight, 150 lbs = 54 to 60 grams/day
  • Protein should be in the 10 to 15% range of total calories
    • 1800 calories – 180 to 270 calories (45 to 68 grams)
    • 2000 calories – 200 to 300 calories (50 to 75 grams)
  • High Protein Diets (25-35%) can be detrimental to your health, consider decreasing your protein intake and supplementing with Calcium-D-Glucarate.

CALCIUM-D-GLUCARATE DOSAGE AND POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS

A normal detox dose is 500-1000 mg, 1 500mg capsule, once to twice daily. It can be taken with or without food.

If you have high estrogen levels, you may benefit from taking larger doses – ask your doctor before adding any supplement to your regimen.

Calcium-D-Glucarate can interact with alcohol and some drugs that act on the liver, like statins. WebMD has a full list of possible interactions.

You can purchase Calcium-D-Glucarate from Amazon or from your local health food store.

SUMMARY

Calcium-D-Glucarate can remove toxins, balance hormones, ensure healthy liver function, and lower cholesterol.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

ALCOHOL’S EFFECT ON YOU AND YOUR LIVER

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ALCOHOL IS PART OF OUR SOCIAL DYNAMIC

It can add an element of fun, silliness or sophistication to our experiences. However, it is helpful to be aware of the benefits and risks behind anything we choose to put into our body.

ALCOHOL CAN ADD HAPPINESS AND ENHANCE OUR EXPERIENCES

It is fun to have a cocktail with friends. It can help us relax and unwind. Spending time with friends and family is good for the spirit. Of course, it is possible to take things a little too far. Getting a little carried away and having a few too many might make your next morning a bit of a challenge, but how much harm can a few drinks really cause?

YOUR LIVER HAS MANY RESPONSIBILITES

The liver performs hundreds of functions, including metabolizing the fats, carbohydrates and proteins in our diet. The liver’s primary job is to filter toxins from the blood. Drinking alcohol gives your body extra work to do which keeps it from performing other jobs, like removing other harmful toxins and metabolizing your fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

ALCOHOL IS HIGH PRIORITY FOR YOUR LIVER

Once you have a drink containing alcohol, your body makes metabolizing it a priority because, unlike fats, carbohydrates and proteins, your body doesn’t have a way to store alcohol.

YOUR LIVER WORKS HARD TO GET IT ALL DONE

When you have a cocktail, beer or wine, your liver detoxifies and removes the alcohol thru a process called oxidation. The liver first converts the alcohol to another toxic substance called acetaldehyde. When oxidation is complete, acetaldehyde becomes water and carbon dioxide, which is excreted from the body.

A healthy liver can metabolize one alcoholic drink per hour. Have more than that, and the toxic acetaldehyde builds up in the body, causing a hangover. Drink too much too often, and the liver suffers damage.

FAT CONSEQUENCES OF TOO MUCH ALCOHOL

When you drink alcohol, the liver must choose to burn acetaldehyde for fuel instead of fat. If you drink too much too often, damage can result. Acetaldehyde damages the liver, and fat is stored in the liver instead of elsewhere in the body or being burned off altogether. This can lead to a condition called fatty liver disease. This is an early stage of liver disease and can typically be completely reversed in a month or two from simply abstaining from drinking alcohol and supporting your liver. Once liver damage has progressed beyond the fatty liver stage, damage typically becomes irreversible.

ALCOHOL’S EFFECT ON THE REST OF YOUR BODY

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Alcohol can weaken the immune system. If you drink every day, or almost every day, you may notice that you catch colds, flu or other illnesses more frequently than people who don’t drink.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Drinking can upset the balance of the microorganisms in your digestive system. It can also damage the tissues in your GI tract and prevent you from digesting food and from absorbing nutrients and vitamins. Drinking alcohol can also lead to gassiness, bloating, and diarrhea.

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Alcohol can affect your heart and lungs. Chronic use of alcohol puts you at higher risk for heart related issues including: high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, heart attack and heart disease.

SKELETAL AND MUSCLE SYSTEMS

Long-term alcohol use may prevent your body from keeping your bones strong. Thinner bones may increase your risk for fractures if you fall and these fractures may heal more slowly.

Drinking alcohol may also lead to muscle weakness and cramping.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Slurred speech is one of the first signs you’ve had too much to drink. Alcohol can reduce communication between your body and your brain, impairing coordination.

THE GOOD NEWS: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Your liver is very resilient and capable of regenerating itself. It can develop new cells, but prolonged alcohol use over many years can reduce your liver’s ability to regenerate. Be kind to your body and support it in the best ways you can.

Empowered with this knowledge you can make your choices. “How much is too much?” is ultimately up to you.

DETOX STEP 2 – Liver Support

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WHAT CAN YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR LIVER HEALTH?

Becoming aware of what is helpful and what is harmful is the first step. Taking actionable steps to implement these findings is the key to wellness.

YOUR DETOX SYSTEMS

  • Liver & Gallbladder
  • Gastrointestinal – Stomach, Intestines, Colon
  • Urinary – Kidneys, Bladder, Urethra
  • Skin – Sweat & Sebaceous Glands
  • Respiratory – Lungs, Throat, Sinuses, Mouth, Nose
  • Lymphatic – Channels & Nodes

CONDITIONS THAT MAY BE PRECIPITATED BY TOXINS

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Cancer
  • Skin Rashes
  • Fatigue
  • Thyroid Issues
  • Prostate Issues
  • Fertility Issues
  • Auto Immune Conditions
  • Fibrocystic Breasts &/or Ovaries
  • Environmental Sensitivities
  • Constipation &/or Diarrhea
  • Bad Breath

THE LIVER – YOUR BODY’S FILTRATION SYSTEM

Think of your liver as being similar to a furnace filter. If not properly cared for, a furnace filter will get clogged. If you don’t provide a clean filter for the furnace it will not function efficiently and this could potentially cause damage to the furnace itself. The same is true of your liver. If detoxification is not supported and if you are taking in medications or other toxins that can impair the function of your liver, your body will not operate efficiently and could potentially be damaged.

  • Lack of detoxification supporting nutrition leads to malfunctioning systems in the body as toxins build up, this places an unwanted burden on the liver.
  • Good nutrition can prevent a lot of hardship, sickness and sadness
  • Your liver has two detoxification pathways: Phase I and II. These pathways are interrelated and both need to be supported for the liver to function efficiently.
  • The liver has many functions in the body: metabolizing the products of digestion from the stomach, processing and helping to rid the body of toxins, storing iron, providing essential energy producing substances, maintaining hormonal balance, regulating blood clotting, producing bile and producing cholesterol and other fats needed by the body.
  • If the liver malfunctions, toxins and hormones accumulate in the body causing inflammatory and neurological disease.
  • You can support your liver by limiting the toxic load you are taking in from your environment and by supporting its function through your dietary intake of nourishing organic nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals.
  • Evaluate your cleaning supplies, cosmetics, lotions, tampons, plastics, soaps, detergents, and new carpet, flooring & furniture (off-gassing).
  • Compounds in the following foods have been found to support the liver detox process:
    • Cruciferous Vegetables
    • Green Leafy Vegetables
    • Garlic
    • Onion
    • Cardamom
    • Turmeric
  • There are many things that can inhibit your liver’s function
    • Medications
      • Antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Allegra)
      • Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax)
      • H2 Blockers (Tagamet, Zantac)
      • Antifungals
      • Antibiotics
    • Deficiencies in Vitamins & Minerals
      • Vitamin B2
      • Vitamin B3
      • Copper
      • Magnesium
      • Zinc
    • Grapefruit Juice
    • Age, decreased blood flow to the liver
    • Lack of Physical Activity
    • Poor Nutrition

IMPORTANT: Support and Balance Both Phases of Liver Detoxification. If Phase II is slower than Phase I, then the toxins processed by Phase I are in a state that can cause more harm in the body. This imbalance can occur in two ways: over burdening the Phase I process and under nourishing the Phase II process.

PHASE I (TRANSFORMATION) – Start the Job: Lessen the Burden Phase I of liver detox is burdened by the over exposure to environmental toxins: from the air we breathe, the water we drink, the contaminants and pesticides in the food we eat, and all other toxins we introduce through topical products, cleaning supplies and medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. All of these add to the burden on the liver. This excessive burden can impair the liver’s ability to properly metabolize the toxins and the liver will produce a dangerously high level of free radicals that must be further metabolized by Phase II to protect against oxidative cell damage.

Phase II (CONJUGATION) – Finish the Job: Bind the Toxins Phase II of liver detoxification has a huge job to conjugate and eliminate the bio-transformed substances from Phase I. If the Phase II process is impaired, due to a lack of micronutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals, it is not capable of keeping up with the toxic load it is given from the Phase I process. These substances are potentially more toxic now that they have been transformed. If the water soluble toxic substances are not effectively eliminated from the body, they are now more dangerous because they can attach to cells in the body other than fat cells, where they are typically stored.

LIVER DETOXIFICATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR HEALTH If the liver malfunctions, toxins and hormones accumulate in the body causing inflammatory and neurological disease.

Supporting your liver function is just one great reason to eat organic and to incorporate juice fasting into your dietary plan.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Limit toxins taken into or put onto your body
  • Support your liver with organic vegetables, garlic, onion, cardamom & turmeric
  • Incorporate juice fasting into your dietary plan.

It may not be realistic for you to eat 100% organic or to completely eliminate all environmental toxins but your health is definitely worth making the effort.