Toxins we are exposed to when dining/taking out in Costa Rica

As a rule, we tend to consider eating or taking out as a treat. 

I don’t mean to be a party pooper but if you eat out a lot, you’re more likely than not exposing yourself to a bunch of toxins that can eventually have an impact on your health. 

Our bodies are healing machines so occasional exposure to certain chemicals shouldn’t be an issue. But toxins do accumulate over time. My go-to strategy to reducing my toxic load is this: 

1. Avoid
2. Detox.

Below is a checklist with 7 questions you can ask when ordering food at a restaurant so you can avoid some of the chemicals:  

1. Is the meal prepared in non-stick or Teflon pans?

Non-stick pans are coated with so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS, PFOA, PTFE etc) that are known carcinogens. They can also cause liver and kidney damage, decrease fertility, impair thyroid function and child development. 

2. Do you filter water that you serve or prepare your meals with? 

Depending on where you are located, if the restaurant is using tap water, you may be getting a cocktail of chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, heavy metals, microplastics, traces of pharmaceuticals, pathogens etc. Click here to find out about the quality of tap water in Costa Rica.

3. Is the food organic?

Yes, I’m aware that organic options in Costa Rica are scarce. And organic food can still be cross-contaminated by the use of conventional fertilizers from the nearby fields, heavy metals or by acid rains. An organic option is however an unquestionably healthier option than an all-in pesticide/herbicide serving. So if it’s not available, what you can do is try eliminate some of the other toxins from this list to minimize the damage.

4. What oils do you use? 

Oftentimes, industrial GMO seed oils or rancid oils are used to cook the food. Regardless whether you believe all seed oils cause inflammation due to their high omega-6 content or not, industrial seed oils are extracted using chemicals. There’s also a good chance that soybeen, corn, canola or cottonseed oil the restaurant is using is genetically modified. As if that was not enough, they most likely contain microplastics as BPAs easily leach when exposed to fats or heat. 

5. What salt do you use?

Refined table salt contains an overload of sodium chloride and lacks critical trace minerals. This creates a biological imbalance in our bodies. More specifically, bad salt impairs water regulation within our bodies – and with that our ability to detox. If you eat out a lot, you can always ask the restaurant to skip the salt so you can add your own unrefined rock or sea salt. You can read more about the dangers of table salt here.

6. How do you prepare your food?

Preparation methods have a direct impact on how much nutrition is left in your food. You probably already know that overcooked or deep fried foods don’t offer a hell lot of nourishment.

7. What containers do you use for food storage?

If groceries or ready meals are stored in plastic containers , they get contaminated with hormone-disruptors (BPA/BPS/BPF). They belong to the group of so -called obesogens. Take-out containers (incl. pizza boxes) can be also be lined with PFAS. Stainless steel or glass are always the safest options. Grabing your own food container when taking out is also a less wasteful option.

Stay mindful instead of fearful

All of the issues above will not be applicable every time but based on my experience and observations, chances are good that you’ll be exposed to at least some of the toxic sources. It doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy a meal out: you can simply ask the right questions and adjust your choice of a meal/drink accordingly. If you are traveling, I have some tips how to stay healthy while on the road.

Arguably, detoxing can be more complicated than avoiding toxins. If you’re looking for a gentle detox, Fat belly tonic is specifically designed to help your body breakdown bad fats, stimulate digestive enzymes and support healthy liver and gallbladder function. You can find all Non-toxic steps approved detox remedies here

If you need help reducing your or your family’s toxic load, I can guide you which Non-toxic steps to focus on in a coaching session with me.

Whatever your approach is, please stay mindful instead of fearful and pick your fights depending on the pleasure/toxin ratio!

Con Amor,

Milda