New evidence is emerging regarding the role of the level of toxins in the body as a contributing factor in excess weight. As these toxins are stored in our body in fat cells, those with a higher body fat percentage generally store a greater amount of toxins.

Today more than 80,000 chemicals are in active production and our exposure to these toxins is greater than at any other time in history. More than 3,000 chemicals are added to our food supply and more than 10,000 chemicals in the form of solvents, emulsifiers and preservatives are use in food processing and storage.

The unfortunate truth is we are continually subjected to poor air quality, chemically contaminated food and water, household cleaners, paint fumes, pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides and heavy metals.

It’s not surprising, given the ever increasing amount of toxins in our environment and the foods we eat, that many people suffer a level of toxicity that surpasses the point that their body’s own natural detoxification system can cope with.

When these destructive chemicals find their way into our bodies, they can remain there for years wreaking havoc and causing damage. This damage alter’s our metabolism (our body’s engine) causing enzyme dysfunction and nutritional deficiencies, creating hormonal imbalances and lowering our threshold of resistance to chronic disease. Chemicals and toxins build up in the body and end up causing problems regardless of body weight.

When body fat begins to accumulate it’s usually an indication that toxins are accumulating too because the body retains fats as a way to protect the vital organs in the body from the toxins that we ingest or create through stress. If you currently struggle with excess body fat, especially around the mid-section, it is a visible sign of toxic build up and a good indication that the liver is not functioning as efficiently as it should.

Truth is, everything that crosses our lips must be used by our body or it must be neutralized and eliminated as a waste product. Otherwise it gets stored in your body and piles up like garbage.

Our body’s reaction to a toxic substance is simple: protection, and there are two primary ways that the body takes action against these toxins. First, it will try to flush them out. If that fails, it will try to lock them away.

However, if toxins build up faster than they can be eliminated and reach a level beyond which the body’s detoxification pathways can cope, then the body begins to “dilute” the amount of circulating toxins in an attempt to protect organs and tissues. It does this by diluting them and storing them in water and fat. Because most of these toxins are fat soluble the body will also make new fat cells to store them as far away from vital organs as possible similar to the way a nuclear power plant seals in concrete and buries toxic radioactive waste. These toxins get sealed up in fat cells and locked away where they seemingly cannot harm us.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

It seems that our highly intelligent immune system does not allow for the removal of excess fat and water if the level of toxins that is stored in them puts our life in jeopardy by their release into the bloodstream. It simply protects us by keeping toxins locked safely away.

Unfortunately, these type of fat cells that are used to store waste are particularly stubborn and the body will not give them up easily. This is the primary reason that so many people have great difficulty losing excess weight. In reality, it becomes nearly impossible to keep body weight down unless the total toxic load is decreased first.

In order for this to happen, we need to shift our diets to healthier foods in order to detoxify the body. This gives the body a chance to cleanse, repair and strengthen itself. Once we get rid of the “terrible toxins” in our body, the protective layer of fat disappears too!

With so many processed foods hitting the shelves these days it is imperative that we steer clear of these “toxic overloads” and stick with what Mother Nature has given us naturally if we want to experience health and healthy weight.

A proper exercise program that incorporates strength training strengthens the entire body and helps it function properly and cleanse itself. However, no amount of exercise will overcome a diet loaded with processed foods.

Eating clean is not an option, it is mandatory towards detoxifying the body.

Choose organic fruits and vegetable to avoid chemicals, pesticides and herbicides and give your body a chance to eliminate the accumulated toxins. At the very least, your goal should be to eat “clean” at least 80% of the time.

This does not mean that you have to give up desserts and treats if you plan and choose the right ingredients – even desserts can be made healthy, nutritious using veggies and fruits and will help you meet your daily requirements too…and it’s good for you!

If you are ready to take your traditional desserts and turn them into “life giving” desserts grab my “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies. “  In it you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…