Environmental toxins. We all heard about them, but do we really know where they are hiding and how disruptive they can be?

Let’s clarify first what we mean by ‘environment’. When discussing environmental toxins, the term environment refers to everything in our surroundings outside of the body. While environmental issues often refer to nature, that is just one aspect to consider when discussing environmental toxins. It’s incumbent on all of us to consider the impact the external environment can have on our internal bodies.

Where are environmental toxins found?

You may be surprised to learn that environmental toxins are more widespread than pollution and pesticides. In fact, we unwittingly come into contact with dangerous chemicals through cosmetics or food additives. Because of the constant exposure to environmental toxins, more and more people are suffering from chronic diseases. These illnesses leave them in a nearly continuous state of exhaustion, mental fogginess, anxiety, and physical pain, among many other symptoms.

How are toxins impacting health?

We all are taught from a young age that toxic chemicals are harmful. What you may not understand is how they impact health.

First, let’s talk about the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other things.

One class of toxins can be described as endocrine disruptors. According to the Environmental Working group, “there is no end to the tricks that endocrine disruptors can play on our bodies.”

Some dangers of endocrine disruptors include:

• increasing or decreasing the production of certain hormones
• imitating hormones
turning one hormone into another
• interfering with hormone signaling
• cells to die prematurely
• competing with essential nutrients
• binding to essential hormones
• accumulating in organs that produce hormones

The list of diseases caused by endocrine disruptors is continually growing. Endocrine disruptors have been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, early puberty, reproductive disorders, and childhood and adult cancers. From cancerous tumours to congenital disabilities and other developmental disorders, endocrine-disrupting toxins can impact any system in the body controlled by hormones.

Knowing that hormones are responsible for all major aspects of health, from sleep to metabolism, it’s crucial to limit exposure to endocrine-disrupting toxins. Let’s take a look at some common toxins and how to reduce your exposure.

Toxin #1: BPA

The first toxin on our list is Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. For example, polycarbonate plastics contain BPA and are often used in containers that store canned food and beverages, such as water bottles.

BPA is a synthetic hormone that imitates estrogen in the body, interfering with reproduction. The Environmental Working Group has reported that “BPA has been linked to everything from breast and other cancers to reproductive problems, obesity, early puberty, and heart disease, and according to government tests, 93 percent of Americans have BPA in their bodies.” According to the Center for Disease Control, people are commonly exposed to low levels of BPA when they consume food or water that has been stored in containers made with the chemical.

Avoiding exposure to BPA can be challenging because it is so prevalent in the environment. Here are some tips that can help to minimise exposure:
– Look for a BPA-free label on foods and packaging
– Avoid plastics marked as “PC,” for polycarbonate, or recycling label #7
– Buy and store foods in stainless steel or glass
– Use fresh, frozen, or dried products
– Avoid microwaving foods in plastic containers
– Do not wash plastic containers in the dishwasher or use harsh detergents on them
– Choose wooden toys instead of plastic

Toxin #2: Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They are commonly found in plastic food containers, children’s toys, and makeup products.

Our bodies have a signalling system to program cells to die as part of normal health. According to the Environmental Working Group, “Studies have shown that chemicals called phthalates can trigger what’s known as ‘death-inducing signalling,’ making them die earlier than they should.” Studies have also linked phthalates to hormone changes, lower sperm count, less mobile sperm, congenital disabilities in the male reproductive system, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities.

To reduce exposure to phthalates, start by avoiding plastic food containers, children’s toys, and plastic wrap made from PVC, which has the recycling label #3. It’s important to read cosmetic and personal care product labels carefully. Avoid products that simply list added “fragrance,” since this catch-all term sometimes means hidden phthalates.

You can find a great online database called EWG that researches toxic chemicals in everyday products and helps us, consumers, make safer and more informed choices for us and our families. Click here to see how your products rate: www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Toxin #3: Heavy Metals

Trace amounts of heavy metals naturally exist in our bodies. However, increased exposure can pose significant health threats. Lead and mercury are the most frequent causes of heavy metal poisoning. Lead can cause neurological, gastrointestinal, kidney, and bone marrow toxicity and neurodevelopment defects. Mercury poisoning can be marked by headaches, low back pain, weakness, fatigue, tremors, and hallucinations.

Pregnant women are the most at risk from the toxic effects of mercury since the metal is known to concentrate in the fetal brain and can interfere with brain development. Sources of lead include paint and gasoline, while mercury sources include dental and medical equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, amalgam fillings, and seafood.

To reduce your exposure to lead, find out when your home was built. If yours was before 1978, woodwork or other surfaces could be covered with lead paint. Call an expert if you wish to remove lead paint; don’t try to do it yourself.

A good water filter can also reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.

Beware of tuna, which can contain high levels of mercury. Eat seafood lower on the food chain, and if you take a fish oil supplement, be sure to purchase a brand with a reputation for purity.

Additionally, if you have amalgam fillings, discuss with your dentist whether it would benefit you to remove them. Make sure your dentist is committed to following safe protocols for amalgam filling removal.

Toxin #4: Glycol ethers

Glycol ethers are commonly used in household cleaning products, cosmetics, and paints. The problem with this toxin is glycol ethers, which can damage fertility, lead to congenital disabilities and worsen allergies and asthma.

To avoid this toxin, look for natural cleaning alternatives, such as white vinegar, and avoid products with ingredients such as 2 butoxyethanol (EGBE) and methoxydiglycol (DEGME).

Toxin #5: Radon

Radon is an odourless and tasteless radioactive gas that is produced from the decay of uranium, which exists in rocks and soil. It can be found in homes, particularly in basements and other areas in contact with the ground. You won’t know whether it is in your home unless you test for it, and it’s worth testing for. Next to smoking, radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer.

To reduce radon exposure:
– Seal floors and walls.
– Increase under-floor ventilation and overall ventilation.
– Close the basement off from the rest of the house.
– Have your water tested through a drinking water testing laboratory. Radon can be removed through treatment technologies, such as aeration or granular activated carbon.

Toxin #6: Fire retardants

There are more than 75 types of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) used commercially, from natural fiber to household furniture to plastics. Unfortunately, they do not stick to the materials but filter into your environment. Shockingly, numerous studies have reported high levels of fire retardants in breast milk. According to the Environmental Working Group, “These incredibly persistent chemicals, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, have since been found to contaminate the bodies of people and wildlife around the globe—even polar bears!” The problem is that these chemicals can imitate and disrupt thyroid hormones in our bodies.

Common sources include paint, textiles, paper, furniture, mattresses, electronics, office equipment, and carpet padding.

Tips for reducing brominated flame retardants (BFRs) exposure include:
– Purchase furniture and mattresses made from organic materials.
– Get rid of products that include foam made before 2005.
– Invest in a HEPA-sealed vacuum cleaner, which traps toxins when you use it.
– Avoid using a broom—it just stirs dust and accumulated toxins into your air.
– Limit the amount of meat you consume; poultry and red meat can contain high levels of BFRs.

Toxin #7: Organophosphate

Organophosphate is a neurotoxic compound produced initially for chemical warfare during World War II. Today these chemicals are the main components of herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides because they target the nervous systems of insects.

Despite being classified as a societal health and environmental concern, agricultural use, such as pesticides on fruits and vegetables, is still permitted. Organophosphates are also used in mosquito abatement in public spaces. Many studies have linked organophosphate exposure to adverse effects on brain development, behavior, and fertility.

Avoiding these harmful chemicals is difficult. Your best bet is to buy organic produce. The Environmental Working Group publishes a Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which can help you find the fruits and vegetables that have the fewest pesticide residues. You can find it under the name of Dirty Dozen List.

Check it out at www.ewg.org/foodnews/

Toxin #8: Particle Pollution 

Our final toxin is particle pollution. Particle pollution can range from dust, mold, and fungus particles to chemical compounds from fuel emissions. The number one source of air pollution in many cities is automobile emissions.

However, the landscaping industry accounts for up to 10 percent of air pollution in the United States. The gas leaf blower has been identified as “one of the worst offenders,” depositing 30 percent of its raw gasoline back into the air. Countless studies have been done on the effects of particle pollution on health. Common effects include wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath, and lung tissue swelling, which can contribute to the development of heart and lung disease, asthma attacks, and lung cancer.

Because we are surrounded by air at all times, it can be difficult to remove pollutants from our environment.

Some steps you can take to reduce particle pollution include:

• Swapping gas-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and weed whackers, for electrical
• Taking public transportation or carpool whenever possible to lessen your contribution to environmental pollution
• Checking fuel-burning furnaces, hot water heaters, and gas ranges in your home annually to make sure exhaust systems are adequate
• Preventing mold from growing in your home by monitoring humidity levels (especially in your basements and bathrooms) and addressing water-stained areas

Detox Your Environment

The best way you can protect your health from environmental toxins is to take the following steps and precautions.

1) Maximize your phytonutrient intake by eating whole, real foods, especially cruciferous veggies like broccoli, bok choy, kale, and brussels sprouts. Foods high in antioxidants like dark, green leafy veggies, and berries, as well as garlic and onions, can help your body detoxify.

2) Avoid plastics at all costs. This one can be tricky as we’ve become a society heavily reliant on plastic. Use stainless steel water bottles and glass containers for storing leftover food. Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, install a filter at home.

3) Detox your home with natural, simple products. Try making your own cleaning and body care products.

For a homemade all-purpose cleaner, try:

• 3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon unscented liquid Castile soap
• 10 drops of tea tree oil
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• 2 cups water

4) Exercise or hit the sauna. The more you sweat, the more toxins you can remove from your body.

5) Take high-quality supplements to support detoxification. Look for multivitamins containing zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin B Complex.

I hope this blog, my website, and the services I offer will help build a community where we together aim to regain our health, and vitality, bring more happiness into our lives and rise brightly.

Together, we can bring more understanding about health and wellness into our lives, how to take care of our body and mind, how to bring healing and compassion in, and see how individual and unique each journey can be. There is no one-size-fits-all approach and, as we can often hear – one man’s medicine can be another man’s poison.

If you feel I can support you on your healing journey of bringing more health into your life, do not hesitate to reach out and book a 20min discovery call. You can also read more about how we can work together here.

Let the work begin & stay healthy!

Looking forward to sharing this journey with you!

To gain a better understanding of environmental toxins, check out: the following resources:

• https://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-environmental-toxin
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/environmental-toxin
• https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/7516/ead955c3e599954b091bc051aa31c97c629.pdf
• https://www.hoffmancentre.com/chronic-illness-environmental-toxins/
• https://www.beyondpesticides.org/resources/pesticide-induced-diseases-database/endocrine-disruption
• https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/sota/health-risks/
• https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/2018/12/19/environmental-toxins-cognitive-decline-6-steps-to-reduce-your-risk/
• https://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors
• https://www.livescience.com/26496-endocrine-system.html
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/221205.php#avoiding_exposure
• https://drhyman.com/blog/2016/07/25/get-these-toxins-out-of-your-house