Our bodies are constantly working to clear potentially harmful pathogens and chemicals through our detoxification organs. Keeping our detox pathways running smoothly is vital for overall health, as it protects cells and organs from damage.
Disruption to the body's detox pathways can be caused by chronic constipation, medications, nutrient deficiencies, poor diet, alcohol, environmental toxins and smoking. Toxin accumulation can lead to various health issues such as hormone imbalances, impaired immune function, damaged DNA, and oxidative stress.
Let’s take a look at 10 common toxins and their effect on the body:
Bisphenol A (BPA) - This is found in food packaging, the lining of canned food, plastic water bottles, baby bottles, kid's toys, and even receipts. It is an endocrine disruptor for men and women and is associated with heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Formaldehyde - This chemical is used predominantly as a preservative and an antibacterial agent and is commonly found in furniture, carpets, mattresses, building materials and miscellaneous products such as nail polish. It can also be detected in some air pollution. It can be irritating to the skin, lungs, and eyes in the short term, and has been suggested to be carcinogenic in long-term exposure.
Heavy metals - These are found in nature in our air, food, and water supply. Certain heavy metals can cause health issues and accumulate in the brain, liver, and kidneys and are likely to play a role in certain conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, reproductive system dysfunction, heart diseases and diabetes, mineral imbalances, and lower IQ in children. The most commonly found heavy metals are: Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Copper, and Chromium.
Mold - Certain strains of fungi can be quite toxic to human health and has been shown to cause respiratory conditions such as asthma, depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and systemic inflammation.
Organophosphates - These chemicals can be found in pesticides, flame retardants, and plastics and are known to cause depression and are associated with other behavioral and learning disabilities. They are also likely neurotoxic and possibly carcinogenic.
Parabens - These are a group of chemicals used in various personal care products, such as shampoos/conditioners, lotions, and makeup, to prevent bacteria and mold growth. They have been associated with infertility, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (Teflon) - This is found in the coating of non-stick surfaces such as cooking pans and is associated with reproductive and hormonal disruptions, liver dysfunction, immune system issues, cholesterol concerns, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Pesticides and herbicides- These chemicals can be found mostly in weed-killers and are also sprayed on non-organic crops. They are linked to hormone disruption, chronic fatigue, gut dysfunction, immune dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and brain/mental concerns such as ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.
Phthalates - These are found in plastics and fragrances and have been associated with reproductive concerns, various cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue, depression, and obesity.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) - These are flame retardants used in furniture, mattresses, carpets, pillows, baby/kid clothing, and baby/kid car seats and have been associated with liver, kidney, and nervous system damage.
Reducing toxic exposures reduces the overall burden on the detoxification pathways. Using air purifiers at home or work, using water filters for drinking water, eating organic food when possible, and switching to less toxic personal care products are all important ways to reduce the toxic load on the body. Also avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and unnecessary medications, and limit alcohol.
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