EDUCATE YOURSELF AND READ LABELS.

Rather than overwhelm yourself trying to be toxin-free, consider gradually incorporating a few of the following simple ideas into your lifestyle:

1. Choose raw or prepared food over processed foods.
2. Avoid food that can be refrigerated indefinitely.
3. Eat organic produce and organic free-range, hormone and antibiotic free meat, eggs, and milk when possible.
4. Use unprocessed sugar (sugar in the raw) or natural sweetener (Stevia) instead of processed or artificial sugars such as aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal) or sucralose (Spenda).
5. Limit consumption of fish that have high levels of mercury such as swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel.
6. Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or synthetic fragrances.
7. Have your tap water tested. Filter your tap water if necessary.
8. Use natural cleaning products.
9. Use HEPA/ULPA filters and ionizers to reduce indoor air pollution.
10. Employ household plants to help detoxify the air.
11. Clean and monitor heating systems for release of carbon monoxide - the most common cause of death by poisoning in America.
12. Avoid drinks and foods that have bright colors, strong flavors or odors because they typically contain the toxin coal tar.