REDUCE and REMOVE TOXINS
The Bullet Points
- Toxins are ubiquitous throughout modern society and everyone is exposed to these at some level on a daily basis
- These toxins include environmental chemicals, heavy metals and biotoxins
- Toxins adversely impact your health and have been implicated in cancer, endocrine and reproductive health issues, gastrointestinal health issues, neurologic issues including dementia and neurodegenerative issues such as Parkinsons
- Biotoxins from mold can be the source of a myriad of chronic health conditions
- Toxic load in the body can be reduced and eliminated with appropriate actions
The Details
Modern Society’s Problem
Environmental toxins refer to substances that are present in the environment many of which have been demonstrated to harm your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 300 chemicals that have been measured in the bodies of the average American (if you live outside the US this may be more or less problematic depending upon your location, however, these exposures are likely moderately consistent throughout the industrialized countries of the world).
Toxins are Ubiquitous
Common environmental toxins include heavy metals including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Other common toxins are pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and Bisphenol A (BPA). This is not a complete list as there are many others that are a part of our modern industrial world. Your exposure to these environmental toxins come from various sources including municipal and well drinking water, air pollution, and frequently from exposure to chemicals found in many consumer products including wood stains, paints, varnishes, household cleaners and cosmetic products to name just a few. The average household has over 400 chemical toxins to which you may be exposed, some with demonstrated harmful health effects and others untested for their effects on human exposure.
Toxins Effects
Exposure to lead has been linked to developmental delays in children, while exposure to mercury has demonstrated neurological damage. Pesticides such as glyphosate found within many foods has been shown to affect the endocrine system (hormonal and reproductive systems) and has been linked to an increased risk of developing neurologic disease as well as contributing to cancer risk. Many environmental chemicals also disrupt your normal gut microbiome leading to alterations in good gut bacteria resulting in increased gut inflammation which may cause a host of gastrointestinal symptoms and illness. Air pollution has recently been tied to dementia. These are only a few examples of the known adverse health outcomes from specific toxins. Clearly, the human body has not had the evolutionary time to adapt to all these myriad chemical exposures. Researchers, over time, will certainly discover additional illnesses directly linked to daily toxic exposures of modern society. Clearly, if you desire to maximize your current and future health, it’s prudent to take the necessary steps to remove existing toxins from your body and reduce ongoing future exposure.
In today’s modern society, you cannot eliminate all your exposure to these ubiquitous toxins. However, you can take control of your health by reducing your exposure in the following ways.
Reduce Toxin Exposures
Tap water can contain various toxins, including lead, arsenic, and fluoride. Lead can enter tap water through corroded pipes, while arsenic can occur naturally in some groundwater sources. Chemicals from plastics and other sources are also unfortunately found in tap water. A recent study showed a direct link between certain chemicals in drinking water and human obesity—specifically that increased PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found in drinking water promotes weight gain. Even pharmaceutical drugs including anti-depressants and cancer treating medications have been found in small amounts in municipal tap waters.
It is therefore important to use a top-grade water filtration system that can eliminate all these substances. I recommend Clearly Filtered Water Filters. You can read more about the effectiveness of these filters on the company website by clicking the link above. This has been my personal choice for my own family based on their highly effective removal of the array of chemicals found in water.
Depending on where you live you will be exposed to varying amounts and types of airborne pollutants. While options are limited to control your general exposure from outdoor car and industry pollution, you do have control of air exposure to VOC’s from household and some work related chemicals. When it comes to these exposures from VOC’s, please use common sense when working with any home chemicals, read the labels and use in a well-ventilated area. Depending on the specific product, you may be able to purchase low or no VOC alternatives.
Our food chain is littered with chemical pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals that are used to control pests such as insects, rodents, and weeds. One of the most common pesticides used in US agriculture is Glyphosate. Almost all corn and soy produced in this country has been treated with this pesticide. But this is not the only one. There are at least 17 other pesticides used in the US. While they can be effective in controlling pests, they can also have harmful effects on human health, especially with long-term exposure. Here are some of the health conditions that have been linked to pesticide exposure, based on medical literature:
- Cancer: Several studies have linked exposure to pesticides with an increased risk of cancer. For example, a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that pesticide applicators had an increased risk of leukemia and multiple myeloma.
- Neurological disorders: Pesticide exposure has been linked to several neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). A review of medical literature published in the journal Toxicology found that long-term exposure to certain pesticides can damage the nervous system and lead to these disorders.
- Respiratory problems: Exposure to pesticides can also lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that farmers who used pesticides had a higher risk of respiratory symptoms.
- Reproductive and developmental problems: Pesticide exposure has been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, such as infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. A review of medical literature published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to certain pesticides during pregnancy can lead to developmental problems in children.
Fortunately you can reduce your exposure to food pesticides by buying organic foods. Not only do you reduce your exposure to these harmful pesticides, but organic produce also has higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared to non-organic. Alternatively, you can find a local farmer’s market with vendors that you can question, and hopefully learn to trust, who grow organic, pesticide-free produce even if they don’t specifically carry the organic label Alternatively, you can find a local farmer’s market with vendors that you learn to trust who grow their produce pesticide-free even if they don’t carry the organic label.
Your home is the source for many products that contain toxic chemicals. When remodeling, updating or refurnishing a home or office you can be exposed to products with high levels of VOC’s. Examples of this include foam mattresses, floorings including carpets and their paddings, furniture, and paints. To limit your exposure to high VOC’s choose low VOC certified products.
Household cleaning products are a common source of toxins in our homes. Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health, as well as the environment. Common toxins found in household cleaning products include, phthalates, ammonia, chlorine, triclosan and formaldehyde. Exposure to these and other toxins in household cleaning products can have negative effects on your health, especially for those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities. To reduce exposure to these toxins, it is recommended to use safer, more natural alternatives such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Alternatively, you can use plant and mineral based cleaners sold in most grocery stores which are the cleaning products I use and recommend as they contain no toxic chemicals and are very effective cleaning products.
Additionally, most cosmetics and especially nail acrylics and gels contain toxins and harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on your health. Recent studies confirm this. One 2021 study, for example, published by Carcinogenesis, found that the use of hair straighteners, relaxers, and pressing products more than four times per year was linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. A study published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute showed these products also slightly increased the risk of uterine cancer. Long-term use of nail acrylic and gel products has also been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. As these absorb through the local capillaries in the skin with continued use contribute to other forms of cancer as well.
Using organic cosmetic products can provide many health benefits. Organic cosmetics are made from natural ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. You should also look for hair and nail salons that use chemical-free products. Here are some potential health benefits of using organic cosmetics:
- Reduced risk of skin irritation: Organic cosmetics are often free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and other irritants that can cause skin allergies and irritation.
- Improved skin health: Organic cosmetics contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter, which can nourish and hydrate the skin, improving its overall health and appearance
- Avoidance of toxins: Organic cosmetics are free from chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde, which can have negative effects on your health as described above.
Overall, using organic nail, hair and cosmetics is a safer and healthier choice for both your body and the environment.
Remove Existing Toxins from Your Body
Utilizing the above information will help protect you from adding to your future chemical “toxic load” (amount of toxins already in your body). However, it is equally important to remove those toxins to which you have already been exposed. As discussed earlier, most everyone has been exposed to toxins and these chemicals may circulate throughout to be deposited in various organs. There are safe, natural methods to eliminate this toxic load by supporting the primary body systems involved in detoxification and elimination of unwanted toxins.
This can be done with the use of specific nutrients and herbs to support your liver, kidney and lymphatic systems as well as bind these chemical and heavy metal toxins and promote their elimination from your body. You can find the ones that I have used and recommend by clicking on Improve Your Detoxification in the Tools Page. Please note that these nutritional detox supplements will work most effectively to eliminate the toxins housed in your body when combined with choosing foods from the Smart Food list in the diet section.
The toxins discussed above are all chemical and/or heavy metals toxins. However, there are additional toxins that can affect your health.
Mold Toxins
Mold is another source of toxin exposure for individuals. Molds are a type of fungi which can be found throughout many homes and offices. Molds thrive in damp, humid environments. Therefore, places with water damage, poor ventilation, or chronic humidity are potential breeding grounds for molds. Mold spores are microscopic and can easily spread through the air, becoming inhaled or settling onto surfaces. Areas with humid climates or households sustaining any water damage are at risk for mold proliferation.
Certain molds produce dangerous toxins, known as biotoxins or mycotoxins, which can pose significant threats to human health. The most notorious among these molds is the Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as “black mold”. But there are many other mold species that can produce a myriad of mycotoxins
Mycotoxins Effects on Health
Exposure to biotoxin mold can have a myriad of effects, ranging from minor to severe:
Allergic Reactions: Most people exposed to mold will experience allergic reactions. This can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, skin rash, and red, watery eyes.
Respiratory Issues: Those with respiratory conditions like asthma might experience exacerbated symptoms upon mold exposure. Mold spores and mycotoxins can irritate the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Chronic Fatigue and Weakness: Chronic exposure can lead to systemic issues, where individuals feel persistently ill, tired and weak.
Neurocognitive Symptoms: Some people report problems with memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions.
Immune System Complications: Mold exposure can affect the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to other infections or prolonging the recovery time from illnesses.
Prevention and Remediation
Given the potential health risks, it’s crucial to prevent mold growth or address it promptly if detected. Some simple steps include:
Controlling Humidity: Maintain indoor humidity below 60% (ideally between 30% and 50%) to deter mold growth.
Addressing Water Leaks: Once water accumulates mold can begin to grow in about 24 hours. Regularly inspect your home for leaks and address them promptly. If you discover areas of significant water damage in the home or office it is wise to seek a professional mold remediation service immediately.
Biotoxin mold, while prevalent, is fixable. By staying vigilant in prevention and early detection, you can be protected from the harmful health effects associated with mold exposure. If you have developed symptoms from mold exposure, I recommend seeking consultation from a physician specifically trained in treatment for this issue.
Emotional toxins
While staying on the subject of toxins I’d like to make a bit of a right-hand turn. We’ve been discussing environmental toxins. But there is a completely different source of “toxins” that resides within some people. These are” trauma-based toxins” and it is important to address these. I have only recently begun to appreciate the significance of these “emotional/ psychological toxins” as they relate to physical health. Traumatic events can represent events that an individual is acutely aware of, such as growing up in an abusive home, or they can be “smaller” subconscious events but no less significant such as feeling left out of your peer group as a child. For those of you trying to recover from a chronic illness, emotional toxins can impede your recovery and require your attention. In The Tools section I’ll provide some further information on treatment for this issue.
Conclusion
Toxins are ubiquitous in our modern world but with appropriate actions you can reduce your exposure to many toxins and utilize appropriate actions and detoxification protocols to eliminate these toxins from your body.
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