Combating Environmental Toxins

The connection between environmental toxins and disease is increasingly becoming undisputed.  Although there is greater awareness of how an unhealthy diet high in sugar and nutrient-deficient foods affects our overall health, however, have you ever considered the environmental effects on our overall health?

Environmental toxins are substances and organisms that negatively affect health. They include poisonous chemicals and chemical compounds, physical materials that disrupt biological processes, and organisms that cause disease.  The effects of exposure to environmental toxins are countless.

We come in contact with over 700 toxins per day.  We accumulate toxins faster than we can excrete, and our bodies work hard to detoxify and remain in homeostasis.  (Homeostasis is a state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly.)  We are exposed to several toxins in the air we breathe, the water and food we consume, and the products we put on our bodies.

Impactful environmental influencers on our health include:

• Exposure to neurotoxic pesticides to kill insects that are sprayed on the conventionally grown foods we are accustomed to consuming.
• Rice grown in contaminated water contains high arsenic levels.
• Soy grown with high-phosphate fertilizers contains high levels of heavy metals like cadmium. An increase and build-up of cadmium in the kidneys can cause kidney disease and fragile bones. Cadmium is considered a cancer-causing agent.
• Antibiotics and hormones are frequently found in animal products we consume, which can affect the natural hormones in our bodies.
• Personal care products and perfumes are high in endocrine-disrupting phthalates that are used to add fragrances. (Phthalates belong to the group of endocrine disruptors (EDs), which affect the hormonal balance of the organism. They can alter the development and function of the hormone-dependent structures of the reproductive system.  Humans and animals are exposed to mixtures of EDs at low doses in the environment.)
• Home building materials, cleaning supplies, mattresses, furniture, clothing, and other goods used commonly in our homes are full of toxic chemicals.
• The industrial world releases methane, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, ozone, benzene, toluene, mercury, and sulfur into our air and water.

So how do toxins affect our body? According to the Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Michigan State University, Oregon State University, and the University of California at Davis, when a toxin enters the body, it changes the rate at which many important functions take place.  Some examples of how toxins change activity in our body include:

• Change in heart rate.
• Block neuron connections needed for brain function.
• Lower thyroid hormone production.
• Obstruct insulin-receptor sites on cells so that sugar cannot get into them for energy production.

Depending on the toxin, it may have a limited effect on a particular organ or can have widespread effects.  These effects depend on the level of toxins detected and each person’s DNA.  Furthermore, toxins impair our ability to detoxify.  The organs most involved in the detox process are the gut, liver, and kidneys.  The detox process starts in the gut but involves the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system.  The process of detoxification doesn’t require extreme measures, but it is highly recommended to detox regularly in the current environment in which we are living.

The first step in the natural detoxification process is recognizing and reducing exposure.  It is recommended to use metal water bottles instead of plastic, drink filtered water, eat organic foods, and know the ingredients and nutritional facts of what you are putting in your body.

We can take many steps to decrease our exposure and support our bodies in the current industrialized world.

To learn more about safe products, below is a list of recommended sources:

• Safe Cosmetics- safecosmetics.org
• Safe foods, Environmental Working Company- ewg.org
• Safe Cleaning Products, The Honest Company- honest.com
• Decreasing Toxins in Water, LifeSource Water System- lifesourcewater.com

In addition to taking the natural steps to limit exposure to toxins, our wellness providers recommend taking additional precautions to help support liver function by utilizing CoreRestore for detox support.

CoreRestore benefits and attributes:

• Revitalizes Liver Health and Supports Natural Detoxification Mechanisms.
• Focuses on Both Phases of Liver Detoxification.
• Provides Micronutrients, Phytonutrients, and Cofactors that Support Detoxification of Xenobiotics and Xenoestrogens.
• Supports Healthy Estrogen Metabolism.
• Increases Antioxidant Protection and Glutathione Production.
• Promotes Gastrointestinal Health.

Learn more and purchase CoreRestore to start your detox. https://naturalbiohealth.com/product/core-restore/

Preventive care against the toxins we are exposed to daily is vital to your overall health.  Learn more on how Natural Bio Health can optimize and improve your health by cleansing your body of toxins to improve your liver and gut health.  Our wellness team offers in-person and telemedicine consultations. To schedule your appointment, contact us here. We serve patients in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock, and College Station.

~Natural Bio Health Wellness Team