Toxins, also known as ama in Ayurveda, are one of the major causes of disorder, discomfort, and disease. Although everybody is susceptible to some level of toxins in their system, it is when this sludge becomes chronic, severe, and deep-rooted that disruption and disorder begins to manifest.

Toxins stem from numerous sources, varying from physical substances (i.e. poor eating habits, chemicals, pollution), to a deeper origin of mental-emotional causes (e.g. stress, emotional imbalance).  If you suspect you may have toxins in your system but are not quite sure, this article will share some of the most common symptoms to look out for; but first let’s look at some common causes of toxicity in the body.  Please remember that in order to establish true health, you must remove the cause.  Without removing the cause, any other “treatment” will simply act as a bandaid.

Common Causes of Toxins in the Body

• Incompatible food combinations (see chart here)
• Overeating
• Unsuitable food for your body type (prakruti)
• Unsuitable food for the season (e.g. eating raw, cold food in the winter)
• Consumption of allergenic foods (this will be specific for you and your body)
  
• Dysbiosis (imbalance of gut flora)
• Parasites
• Improper cleansing
• Improper fasting
• Improper post-cleanse measures
• Contaminated foods (e.g. eating old leftovers or eating stale, molded, or rotten food)
• Suppression of natural urges (gas, belch, urination, defecation)
• Eating late at night (generally past 6-7pm or after dark)
• Laying down after food intake
• Eating before previous food is digested
• Mental tension and stress
• Emotional imbalances such as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, and depression
• Repressed, unresolved emotions
• Environmental pollution

Although the causes vary greatly and typically are not alone in their crimes, the signs and symptoms that follow are fairly universal. If you find yourself with a handful of these symptoms, then you may need to change your diet choices and lifestyle choices.  If the toxins are fairly strong or deep-rooted, you may need to consider performing a gentle cleanse. However, the first step is to find out if toxins are indeed present, so here is a general list of signs and symptoms that you may experience when toxins are invading your system.

Signs and Symptoms of Toxins in the Body

• Fatigue
• Feeling of heaviness
• Coating on the tongue (read more here)
• Chronic gas, belching, or bloating
• Malaise (general feeling of unwell)
• Indigestion
• Dull appetite
• Lack of taste
• Mental fog or confusion
• Dullness in the mind
• Sexual debility
• Impotence
• Feeling of uncleanliness
• Dryness in the mouth
• Dryness in the throat
• Increased salvation
• Excess thirst
• Foul smelling breath
• Foul smelling urine, feces, or sweat
• General body ache
• General pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

If you show many symptoms of toxins in your system, then a seasonal cleanse may be helpful. Please be sure to proceed cautiously and intelligently however, as an improper cleanse can leave you more debilitated then before you began. I generally recommend a gentle kitchari mono-diet cleanse, while taking some cleansing herbs as a great starting point.  From here the longterm diet and lifestyle choices should be examined and the proper changes should be made in a slow but steady manner.

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