Toxins. Pesticides. Hormones. Every day the media tells us something else we thought was healthy is going to kill us. So we look for labels that say "organic," "all natural" and "whole," even though we aren't sure we understand the threat and might need a second mortgage to finance that healthier lifestyle. Inevitably, we feel we aren't doing enough.

Dr. Marland Dulaney, a certified toxicologist, points out that living a completely chemical-free lifestyle isn't possible. "It takes at least as long to rid the body of these chemicals as it did to accumulate them," he said. "But the chief principle of toxicology is, 'the dose makes the poison.' This means many exposures occur at levels so low they have no effect." However, he adds that since some contaminants, such as metals, are extremely hard to get rid of, they can build to harmful levels over time.

Pesticides are another contaminant. "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists, which change annually, rank produce based on USDA yearly measurements of pesticide levels, but even these lists can be misleading. "Thin-skinned cucumbers absorb more pesticides since they grow on the ground, where pesticides are washed down by rain," said Dulaney, "But 35 pesticides reported in cucumber samples doesn't mean a single cucumber has 35 different pesticides in it." Generally, thick-skinned fruits that you have to peel absorb far fewer pesticides, so paying for organic watermelon would be a waste of money.

Unfortunately, although certified organic food must be produced on land that has not been treated with prohibited substances for 36 months, Dulaney states that many pesticides and metals remain in the soil for far longer than 3 years. Further, the Clean and Dirty lists include only conventionally-grown produce, which means residual pesticides in organic produce can remain unreported.

Metals such as mercury and arsenic linger in the environment for years. Fish, particularly swordfish and cobia (lemonfish), have been found to contain high levels of mercury. "In general, wild-caught fish and shrimp are safer than farm-raised, because farms have less water and therefore much higher chemical concentrations. Know your origins; don't be afraid to ask where your seafood comes from. Avoid farm-raised fish from third world countries, where oversight is less stringent," said Dulaney.

Hormone and antibiotic use in animals is another concern. Livestock are treated with hormones to speed growth and encourage milk production. The long-term effects remain unknown. The concern is that the routine administration of antibiotics will create "superbugs," or strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While a switch to organic milk and meat can limit hormone exposure, antibiotic use is an environmental concern.

Individual sensitivities vary, however, and our systems are equipped to deal with many contaminants. "The liver makes substances more water-soluble," said Dulaney, "and the kidneys get rid of them." Help your system out by eating as cleanly as possible. "Avoid processed foods. If you need a chemistry textbook to decode the label, pass."

To juice or not to juice

The juice cleanse has been touted to rid the body of toxins and jump-start a healthy life. Most call for a strict regimen of fresh fruit and vegetable juices for several days. Proponents swear this flushes the body of toxins and waste, leading to weight loss and improved health. But does it?

Well ... yes and no. A juice cleanse is a crash diet, and a lot of the calories ingested are simple sugars, no matter how organic or fresh. Juices lack proteins, fats and one of the healthiest components of fresh produce, fiber, all of which are necessary for metabolic function.

On the other hand, you will lose weight — initially. This temporary loss can spark determination to maintain it by more mindful eating. And if your diet is severely lacking in fruits and vegetables, even liquid ones will be an improvement.

A liquid diet will, indeed, flush your system, and water-soluble chemicals along with it. However, toxicologist Dr. Marland Dulaney points out that many contaminants such as pesticides and metals aren't water-based, and remain unaffected.

He adds, "Anyone considering a juice cleanse should consult their physician or pharmacist first. Some juices interact with prescription to drugs, changing how they work."

Read or Share this story: http://www.thecalifornian.com/story/life/2014/05/27/take-simple-steps-live-nearly-chemical-free/9635961/