1. Medication

Did you know that taking too many medications overtax our kidneys and livers? Many doctors over-prescribe various drugs for each symptom we experience, perhaps without knowing all the potential side effects they may have on our bodies! Patients often see multiple doctors who do not communicate with one another and so end up prescribing similar drugs — which, when combined, can reach toxic levels. According to Mukaila A. Raji, M.D., chief of geriatric medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, there is a progressive decline in the ability of our kidneys and liver to process and clear medications after our 40’s, increasing our risk of for drug toxicity.

2. Air Pollution

For those of us who live or work in big cities, we often fall victim to this killer form of toxin. But just how dangerous is constant exposure to air pollution? According to the Journal of Thoracic Disease, exposure car exhaust fumes and industrial air pollutants, increases our risk of developing asthma, appendicitis, bladder cancer and cardiovascular disease!

3. Additives in our Food

Do you make it a habit to read the ingredient list and nutrition facts on the back of each packaged food you purchase at the grocery store? Most of us are probably not even aware of the shocking amount of additives in our food, let alone the health sabotaging effects they can have on us and our families! To give an example, a British study published in The Lancet concluded that consuming artificial coloring and preservatives in food increases hyperactivity in kids.

4. Water

Water is an essential part of our existence. We might not think there could be anything wrong with such a basic survival necessity. However, studies have shown that in our modern society today, bottled or tap water can contains dangerous levels of heavy metals. According to research done by the Arizona State University, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, found in some types of drinking water, are linked to childhood autism, neural diseases and anemia. Imagine!

5. Personal Care Products

Do you know just how much chemicals can be found in your daily body lotions, serums, sunscreen and foundation? Probably not! It might scare you just how much chemicals we apply on our faces and bodies on a daily basis. According to the Natural Medicine Journal, parabens, found in most of women’s cosmetic products, mimics estrogen and is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. That means that your foundation you use to even out your skin tone everyday could eventually make you very sick!

6. Cleaning Products

All the wonderful potent and sweet smelling detergents we use to keep our homes clean are also a big source of toxins we might be absorbing on a daily basis! Many cleaning supplies or household products release chemicals that may contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, headaches, hormone disruptions and even cancer. According to The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, one-third of the substances used as fragrance in our cleaning detergents are toxic!