There’s just no avoiding it: exposure to environmental and biological toxins is one of the biggest collective health problems we face today
While some critics may debunk the idea that our bodies can store the toxins around us, the truth is, extensive research shows how our bodies can be burdened with the alarmingly high levels of common environmental toxins we experience daily. These pollutants are widespread, and closely linked to our most challenging chronic illnesses, developmental abnormalities, neurological changes and other serious impacts.
Here are the top toxic chemicals, metals, and pesticides we face daily that can be harmful to our health.
These pollutants and their effects on biological systems need to be taken seriously if we want to protect our long-term health, and the health of the environment.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical used in plastic, which can mimic estrogen in the body and harm the endocrine system and hormone balance. Each year in the US, more than 90 million plastic bottles are purchased, polluting not only the environment but your health as well. BPA seeps into your beverages during normal use, especially at high temperatures, like hot weather. To minimize damage to both the planet and your health, try glass or stainless-steel bottles and containers.
Phthalates are chemicals that are used to soften plastics and are also used in many body care products. Sources are shampoo, perfumes, soaps, shower curtains, vinyl flooring and others. Phthalates can also disrupt the endocrine system and hormone balance and are linked to breast and other cancers and developmental problems.
PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, is used in non-stick products. It’s believed that heating non-stick cookware causes PFOA to vaporize and enter the body through the lungs. PFOA pollution has also been found in many water sources. PFOA is linked to cancer, neurological damage, cardiovascular and kidney disease, and other conditions. Avoid non-stick cookware and opt for stainless steel or cast iron instead.
Formaldehyde is a glue resin used in particle board, plywood, fiberboard, and other pressed wood products. Formaldehyde vapors are dangerous to breathe in and are linked to various cancers, especially in the respiratory system.
PBDEs or Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are flame retardants. They enter the body primarily from the dust in our homes. These chemicals are linked to neurological and developmental disorders, hormone balance and other impacts.
Dioxins are chemicals that produced during burn process in everything, from industrial combustion to wildfires, diesel exhaust and much more. Dioxins are also made during bleach processes such as paper pulp bleaching, as well as in the manufacturing of chemical pesticide/herbicides. The main way these toxins get into the body is through contaminated food. These chemicals can hide in fat tissues and increase risks of cancer, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, reproductive disorders, and other conditions.
Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and others are ever-present in our environments. Heavy metals can be found in soils, food, drinking water, household products, and other sources. Unlike essential mineral metals such as zinc and iron, toxic heavy metals are not useful to the body, and can be very hard to remove. They tend to build up in soft tissues, where they can do extensive damage over time by harming DNA and interrupting numerous biochemical processes.
Pesticides including glyphosate, the most prevalent agricultural chemical in the US, are widely used in industrial farming as well as home gardens. They pose a significant health concern because of how toxic and widespread they are. Over 1 billion pounds of pesticides are used in the US each year, equating to nearly 3 pounds of pesticides per person in the US. With this level of use, even if you eat organic you can still be exposed through environmental sources as well as ”pesticide drift.” Pesticides fall into different classes of chemicals, with the most dangerous ones like glyphosate being linked to cancer, neurological damage, autoimmune disease and much more.
How to Safely Detoxify from Everyday Toxins
Safely detoxifying heavy metals and environmental toxins is critical for long-term health and wellness. As an integrative practitioner, researcher, and detoxification expert, I have assisted countless patients in gently yet effectively removing harmful toxins from their body—with significant improvement in their symptoms and health conditions.
These clinically researched natural detox formulas are proven to safely reduce toxic body burden, and support long-term health:
Modified Citrus Pectin: This specialized form of citrus pectin was first used in Chernobyl to eliminate heavy metals and radioactive particles from the body. The researched form of modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a gentle yet highly effective chelator or binder that safely removes heavy metals and other toxins from the circulation.
Alginates: Derived from brown kelp seaweed, alginates work in the GI tract to bind heavy metals and environmental toxins and allow the body to safely excrete them through the stool. The clinically researched formula containing MCP, and alginates is an excellent heavy metal detox blend that provides dual action binding in the gut and circulation system, for thorough toxin removal.1,2
Pesticide Detox Formula: This blend of powerful detox binders is designed to remove pesticides and other environmental toxins like fluoride from your body and prevent these toxins from tricking your body into storing them. It also helps protect the thyroid and GI tract from damages of pesticides and other toxins. Ingredients include regular unmodified citrus pectin, organic kelp, and other targeted ingredients to support optimal pesticide removal.
Liver Detox Support: In addition to natural detox binders, it’s helpful to support your body’s innate detox organs including the liver and kidneys, so that toxins can be thoroughly metabolized and removed from your body. Liver support ingredients include
garlic, milk thistle, dandelion, Lipoic Acid, N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC), and others. A synergistic liver detox formula with these and other botanicals and nutrients can aid in defending your health against the barrage of everyday toxins.
Avoiding toxins is essential for staying healthy long term. Choosing organic whenever possible, and opting for more plant-based, natural cleaning and household products can help reduce exposure. For in-depth, targeted detoxification, these natural strategies are proven through published research and extensive clinical application, to deliver much-needed support for safe, gentle, and complete detoxification and defense for your optimal long-term health.
Sources:
- Eliaz I, Weil E, Schwarzbach J, Wilk B. Modified Citrus Pectin / Alginate Dietary Supplement Increased Fecal Excretion of Uranium: A Family. Altern Ther Health Med. 2019 Jul;25(4):20-24.
- Eliaz I, Weil E, Wilk B. Integrative medicine and the role of modified citrus pectin/alginates in heavy metal chelation and detoxification–five case reports. Forsch Komplementmed. 2007 Dec;14(6):358-64.
