Toxins have a role in chronic disease, unexplained infertility, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  Persistent organic pollutants (POP’s) are hard for the body to get rid of.  Some examples are:  arsenic damages DNA, lead is a factor in cardiovascular issues, and nutritional deficiencies increase susceptibility to toxins.  Toxins compete with vitamins and minerals for receptor sites in the body.  

What are the sources of toxins in the environment?

• Food 60% 
• Water 15%
• Air 10% 
• Health and beauty products 10%
• House cleaning and yard chemicals 5%.  

What is food pollution?

• Fish can contain high levels of mercury.  Farmed fish contains high levels of POP’s, Persistent organic pollutants.  
• Organically grown foods contain less pesticides and washing chemically grown foods decreases pesticides on them.  Storage of food in cans or plastic increases contamination.
• Wash foods in a mild acid such as vinegar
• Avoid farmed and large fish
• List of the “dirty dozen” and “clean 15” foods at www.ewg.org
• Eat organic foods if possible or grow your own
• Avoid buying foods in cans
• Avoid plastic containers
• Avoid perflouride based non stick pans and storage
• Choose glass and tetrapak

Toxins in health and beauty aids

• Heath and Beauty aids such as shampoos, to face creams, cosmetics and hair products are largely unregulated.  This means they can contain any number of chemicals in high amounts that are damaging.
• Even many essential oils on the market are adulterated with synthetic fragrances or solvent extracted oils that are damaging to health.  Most fragrances such as found in scented candles, room fresheners and air fresheners are also synthetic.  
• Parabens are estrogenic and inhibit mitochondrial DNA formation, they are anti androgenic and keep toxins stuck in an activated form.  
• Phthalates effects asthma and allergies, autism, diabetes, infertility, mood, obesity, cognition. 

How do I tell if my health and beauty products are bad for me?

• Apps like “think dirty” can help you identify toxins in your products.
• Switch to healthier versions as you are able to.

Pollution from house and yard cleaning products

Many toxins are in everyday products used in the home or business. 

There are many safer options available from environmentally aware companies.  

Cleaning supplies and health effects

• Fumes from products can contribute to respiratory problems.
• Many common cleaning products can contain carcinogens.  This means they are cancer causing or contributing.  
• Elevated risk of birth defects
• Chemical burns, poisoning, allergies, or other severe reactions.
• Most cleaning product labels do not give clear information about ingredients and whether the product is safe or not.  

Resources for cleaning product information:

ewg.org guide to non-toxic cleaners

https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/decoding_labels/

https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/cleaners_and_health/

Other potential sources of toxins:  

• Alcohol
• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Marijuana and recreational drugs
• Prescription and over the counter drugs
• Salt
• Wheat

References:

Joseph Pizzorno, ND  The Toxin Solution

Joseph Pizzorno ND and Walter Crinnion,  Clinical Environmental Medicine