Staying Healthy in a Toxic World
There are 84,000 chemicals routinely used in agriculture and industry to create the products you use every day. Yet, only one percent of them have been studied for safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average person has at least 212 harmful chemicals in their blood and urine.
In this blog post, I will discuss types of toxins and supplements that can help our body get rid of them.
Heavy Metals
Some metals, like iron and zinc, are essential for good health. Others, like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury have been linked to cardiovascular conditions, neurological problems, and respiratory issues.
These harmful metals can be inhaled as fumes, consumed through foods and water, and absorbed into the skin via personal care products.
Arsenic, found in fertilizers, paint, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and tap water has been linked to higher risk for cancer, and brain, heart and lung conditions.
Cadmium, which is used to manufacture batteries, coal, metal coatings, and plastics, is a carcinogen that may contribute to kidney, lung, and skeletal damage.
Lead is still found in cosmetics (especially lipstick) and toys. Long-term exposure has been associated with anemia, Kidney damage, and muscle weakness. Reproductive and neurological problems have also been related to lead exposure.
Exposure to Mercury can lead to impaired kidney function, digestive and immune problems, fatigue, depression, and memory issues.
Pesticides
Much of the food we eat contains pesticide residue. Pesticides are stored in fat cells and can increase the risk of cancer, neurological problems, and hormonal disruption. One pesticide, glysophate, is one of the most toxic chemicals in use today. It can increase cancer risk, as well as liver and kidney damage. It’s also an endocrine disruptor that may affect fertility and reproductive development.
Plastics
Toys, food containers, and cosmetics leach chemical plasticizers that can damage your health. Bisphenol A (BPA) mimics estrogen and can disrupt normal hormone function. Phthalates are another class of plasticizers used in food storage containers, makeup, perfume shampoo, shower curtains and toys. Studies have found that phthalates change how male reproductive organs develop and increase the risk of neurological problems, including ADHD and Autism.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Fumes from VOCs like benzene and formaldehyde are released into our homes and offices every day. Found in products like adhesives, air fresheners, carpeting, cosmetics, paint, particle board, scented candles, and upholstery, VOCs can cause brain fog, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Breathing in low levels of VOCs for long periods of time can increase the risk of cancer, worsen asthma and other respiratory problems.
It's not possible to avoid all these toxins, but it is possible to reduce your exposure and help your body naturally detoxify.
Consider getting the Environmental Working Group’s free app so that you can make better food and personal hygiene choices. The Environmental working also publishes “The Dirty Dozen” every year, letting consumers know which vegetables are most contaminated. Visit ewg.org for more details.
Curcumin, NAC, and Ion Gut Support are helpful supplements to detoxify.
Curcumin is a powerful protector against environmental toxins, largely due to its antioxidant capabilities. Studies have found that it can protect the brain, kidneys, and liver from heavy metal toxicity. Other research reports that curcumin can play a protective role against phthalates, especially in the kidneys and the male reproductive system. It also guards against metabolic damage from BPA exposure. A study in the Nutritional Neuroscience suggests that it protects against pesticide-induced brain damage.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) has an enormous ability to protect the body from DNA-damaging free radicals. NAC helps replenish glutathione levels which decline as we get older. We want our glutathione at a good level because glutathione transports mercury out of cells and the brain. NAC can help prevent side effects of drugs and environmental toxins. In fact, doctors regularly give intravenous NAC to people with acetaminophen overdose to prevent or reduce kidney and liver damage.
Ion Gut Support. Your body’s barriers know what to let in (nutrients) and what to ward off (toxins). But the barriers must be strong. ION Gut Support, made with Terrahydrite, works to strengthen your gut at a cellular level by fostering tight junction integrity, helping to promote this intelligent defense system at a foundational level. Stronger tight junctions equal better nutrient absorption.
Source:
Good Health Magazine, Spring 2022
Environmental Working Group
Intelligence of Nature
Nutritional Neuroscience
Healthline.com
Angel Hill-Reynolds, DNM, M Ed., offers Natural Health Assessments, using the art of iridology with science-based solutions. She offers telehealth and in-store appointments. Visit AlternativeHealthFoodStore.com/services for details.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.