For me, the most eye-opening statistic is this: All of us carry toxins in our bodies that Mother Nature never intended us to bear. One-hundred percent of us—no matter how or where we live—are laced with chemical pollutants that are suspected to cause cancer, disrupt hormone functioning, or lead to birth abnormalities. Most of these chemicals come directly from common consumer goods and foods—not accidents in a college chem lab. Whether we like it or not, we have to accept this fact and do what we can to address it. On a positive note, this will ultimately get us to where we want to be: a state of optimum physical, mental, and emotional health.

The liver is our first line of defense against toxins, but when it’s overworked, the other organs of detoxification have an extra load. That burden is passed from one organ system to another until either detoxification occurs—allowing the body to regain balance—or degeneration sets in. As medical researchers learn more about toxins, a growing consensus focuses on the central role toxins play in damaging our health, affecting the digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

Ending the toxic stress cycle that perpetuates a dysfunctional body—and opens the door to illness—starts with proper detoxification. The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps offers an effective and practical plan for achieving that goal. Step one, for example, is to reduce exposure to toxins in your environment. Step two shows how to eliminate toxins in your body, and step three involves nourishing your cells and systems. A commitment to routinely addressing your body’s detoxifying needs through a program like this one can help lower your risks for age-related disease and award you a lifetime of vibrant health.