If you've read my story, Allergic — or Toxic?, you'll understand that the chemical soup in which we live can cause a vast array of troubling health issues. However, these simple choices and changes can dramatically improve your health. Start here:

• Resolve to quit smoking, ASAP! Tobacco smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide (gas chamber poison), arsenic, and benzene.

• Drink plenty of pure water daily. Many so-called illnesses or allergies are actually a chronic state of dehydration! But don't just go to your kitchen sink. Tap water is chemically treated to remove impurities, and these chemicals aren't something you want to ingest. Buy refillable BPA-free plastic jugs at your local health food store or water store (glass is even better if you can lift them) and keep them filled with filtered water. The system most commonly used in water machines is reverse osmosis, often coupled with other processes. If you own your home, consider investing in a whole-house water filtration system.

• Install a shower filter. Bathing in chlorinated water is as harmful as drinking it. In some communities, the water is now being treated with chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia! Immersing your skin in harsh chemicals every day can definitely lead to an allergic reaction. You can buy chlorine shower filters at most health food stores. Filters that remove chloramines are less easy to locate. One good model is Vitashower, which uses Vitamin C as its dechlorinating agent. Also check natural products catalogues, such as Real Goods and Gaiam.

• Eat fewer "convenience foods" and more whole foods. Processing removes much of the nutritional value from food, and additives (artificial colors, flavors, preservatives) are a health hazard. They can also contribute to allergies, which are your body's response to fake food. Choose fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans and nuts, deep-water fish, hormone-free poultry and meats.

• Buy organic. Organic foods can make a huge difference in your health — and they taste better than those grown conventionally. One study found that American children absorb more pesticide residues by their first birthday than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers safe for an entire lifetime. According to the EPA, 90-95 percent of all pesticide residues are found in meat, fish, and dairy products. TIP: Choose "clean" meats that are non-irradiated, from organic grain-fed animals that were humanely raised in the open air.

Your home environment also plays a massive role in your health. In Part 3, we'll focus on 8 Steps to Creating An Allergy-Free Home.
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Amara Rose is a spiritual "midwife" for our global rebirth. She offers life purpose coaching, e-courses, CDs, and a FREE inspirational monthly newsletter. Visit LiveYourLight.com to learn more. Contact Amara at ]]>amara@liveyourlight.com]]>. Amara is also the author of the eBook series, What Shines: Practical Wisdom for Unleashing Your Inner Brilliance.