Environmental Toxins

 

"Researchers at two major laboratories found an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood” "Of the 287 chemicals we detected in umbilical cord blood, we know that 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests. The dangers of pre- or post-natal exposure to this complex mixture of carcinogens, developmental toxins and neurotoxins have never been studied.”(Ref)

 

“In recognition of the fact that some are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals than others, the US National Academy of Sciences has concluded that, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, any level of exposure should be assumed to be potentially harmful—i.e. that there is no “safe dose” (Ref)

 

"As to our specific model, first, food may be the vehicle for delivering toxicants and may increase an individual's exposure and toxicant body burden. Second, as a toxicant is absorbed by the human body, it may interact with an individual's nutritional status to affect the amount of toxicant that is retained and bioavailable to do harm. It is also possible that toxicants may affect nutrient absorption and stores. Third, once inside the body, nutrients and nutrient metabolism may also interact with the toxicant in affecting a specific health outcome." (Ref)

 

General Recommendations

 

Water: Water is the most important place to look for toxicity. Detroit Makes You Sick is a March 2016 cover title of Newsweek magazine. The water crisis all over our country and the importance of water to human life makes water the first order of business. Bottom line: get a filter because any filter is better than no filter.

• Safe Water Guide (EWG) 

• ​I use this Reverse Osmosis system (RO) under our kitchen sink. 

  • ​NOTE: RO systems do such a good job of filtering that they also filter the good stuff, i.e. all the important minerals in the water. Also, by removing the good minerals, the water becomes more acidic (lower PH). Adding back the minerals is important. I use this. Lastly, some claim that RO water is "dead" or needs to be "restructured." Read more about water here (yes vs. no).

• I use these filters in our showers.

• I also use these filters on our bathroom sink faucets.

• Whole house filtration is a big decision and city vs. well water must be considered. More on this soon.

 

Detox Me

"simple, research-based tips on how to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals where you live and work—and it keeps track of your progress."

 

Air: Air is another place to look for toxicity. The proper air filters throughout your house are critical to keeping the air clean. Talk to your HVAC supplier about your particular situation because as I have discovered, the devil is in the details. Also, getting a HEPA vacuum is a huge help. I bought this one.

 

Plastics:

BPA Free. This term is very deceptive. Companies are now using BPA-S as a substitute and this has been shown to be just as problematic. Read more at the EWG Endocrine Disruptors page here. Store you leftovers in glass.

 

Cookware:

Replace your non-stick cookware with ceramic/cast iron or glass. I use a Le Creuset skillet for eggs and xtrema ceramic cookware.

 

Furniture, mattresses, carpet:

Purchase products that are flame retardant free.

 

Shower curtain:

Replace your vinyl one with fabric.

 

Skin/Hair care products:

Go organic or at least no parabens, phthalates, paraffin, dioxin, propylene glycol, synthetic fragrances/colors, sulfates. See more at EWG here.

 

 

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