How do you avoid food toxins?

To avoid food toxins, stay away from foods that may be toxic. Processed foods are at the top of the list, followed by toxic fruits and vegetables, certain types of fish and non-organic dairy products.

1. Avoid processed foods

   Although processed foods make up nearly 60 percent of the average American diet, they contain chemicals that can pose serious health risks. High-fructose corn syrup, trans fats, refined grains, monosodium glutamate and artificial sweeteners are among the most toxic ingredients found in processed foods. Make every effort to remove these from your diet.

2. Avoid toxic fruits and vegetables

   Some fruits and vegetables contain toxic substances that can be harmful in large quantities. The most toxic ones include spinach, kale, rhubarb, apples, peaches, celery, blueberries, strawberries, lettuce and potatoes. There's no need to give them up entirely, provided you consume them in moderation.

3. Avoid fish high in mercury

   Types of fish that are high in mercury include tuna, lobster, shark, swordfish, marlin, orange roughy, halibut and snapper. Those with the lowest mercury content include tilapia, Alaskan salmon, catfish, clam and ocean perch.

4. Avoid non-organic dairy products

   Non-organic dairy products can be especially toxic to the human body when consumed over extended periods of time. This is primarily due to synthetic hormones, antibiotics and other drugs used to increase production.