Non-Toxic

Book excerpt: Non-Toxic is an insightful, even-handed, evidence-based discussion about the environment in which we now find ourselves living, the environmental hazards around us, and ways in which we may better protect ourselves and our families from increased risk of illness and disease due to harmful chemical and radiation exposure. Espousing the principles developed by famed physician and author, Dr. Andrew Weil, and making them accessible for the general reader, the book takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle, in offering guidance to living healthy in a chemical world.After a brief historical perspective and easily-understandable discussion of the anatomy, physiology, and defense mechanisms of the human body, the authors review common everyday chemicals and describe how our bodies protect us with many amazing defenses, both physical barriers and though metabolism. This book discusses issues surrounding clean water and air, and helps equip the reader to better understand daily risk exposures and encourages the reader to start making practical, positive changes immediately.Written by a physician board-certified in Integrative Medicine and a PhD toxicologist, the book is replete with relevant, cost-effective, and practical ways to reduce exposure and lower risk for the developing illness. Tips and recommendations are given for choosing and preparing foods, methods of cooking and cleaning, and how to choose safer household furnishings, toys, and personal care products. Throughout, the authors' goal is to help readers decode technical concepts such as understanding product labels, and wading through the confusing (and often misleading) waters of marketing terminology. Each chapter concludes with a list of references, documenting the clinical studies and other scientific evidence for the recommendations in the book. ABOUT THE SERIES: From series editor, Andrew Weil, one of the most iconic and trusted names in healthcare today, the Dr. Weil's Healthy Living Guides series discusses caring for common medical conditions and optimizing health from an integrative medical approach. Integrative medicine is defined as an evidence-based healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, conventional, alternative, and complementary.