Introduction

It is hard to deny that our modern environment is full of potentially harmful substances. At the same time, unless these toxins impact our lives in a very obvious and profound way—such as the toxic levels of lead found in the drinking water of Flint, Michigan—we tend not to give the matter too much thought. The unfortunate reality, however, is that toxins—to which we are exposed from the air we breathe, the food and water we eat and drink, and even some of the cosmetic products we use—enter our bloodstreams and circulate throughout our bodies every day. Over time, they can build up in our systems, resulting in headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, indigestion, constipation, and a variety of other symptoms. And because these symptoms are fairly common and general, an accumulation of unwanted compounds in the bloodstream may not be the first cause that comes to mind when looking for solutions. What’s in Your Blood & Why You Should Care tells you everything you need to know about your blood and your body’s natural detoxification mechanisms. It also reveals evidence-based methods of cleansing your bloodstream that you can incorporate into your normal daily routine. With a wealth of information on diets to supplements to complementary therapies, this book is designed to show you a pathway to better health. This book is divided into three parts. Part One begins by detailing the composition of your blood, from plasma and red blood cells to white blood cells and platelets. It then discusses the ways in which your pH balance, diet, level of physical activity, environment, and genetics influence the state of your blood. It also provides a chapter all about blood tests, listing each element and describing what it can tell you about the status of your health. Finally, it explains how toxins may enter your bloodstream due to external exposure or internal biological processes, and outlines how your body’s natural detoxification mechanisms go about eliminating these substances from your body. Part Two talks about the six types of nutrients that your body requires for proper health—carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water—and how they work together in the production of energy, the promotion of cell growth, and the achievement of proper organ function once they have been absorbed into your bloodstream. It goes on to discuss how the foods you choose to eat each day can have an enormous impact on your blood and thus on your health. It then describes the importance of optimal oxygen levels in your blood, why your blood may be depleted of oxygen, and how to increase oxygen levels in your blood. Part Three ties everything together by detailing particular foods and supplements that encourage detoxification of your blood, as well as the benefits of occasional fasting. It concludes by recommending complementary therapies that may be used to promote the detoxification process and help you maintain a healthy bloodstream, including sauna therapy, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, chelation therapy, and meditation. When it comes to your health and well-being, you may feel as though you are a helpless bystander, simply waiting to see all the cards in the hand you have been dealt genetically. While genetics, no doubt, play a powerful role in your health, you can play an active part as well. Through the choices you make every day, you can prevent harmful substances from entering your bloodstream in the first place and support the elimination of unwanted compounds in your circulatory system.