Are You Toxic?

It may be obvious for some but come as a surprise for others however more and more people are becoming aware of toxic exposure and realising that our bodies are being bombarded with chemicals every minute of every day we live in the air we breathe, water we drink and the food we eat.

Toxins follow no rules, they go where ever the wind blows wherever the water flows and this results in what’s known as the 'Body Burden' or 'Sequestered Toxins'.

What happens to these toxins in the body?

As toxic compounds enter into the body, the body will try to clear them from the bloodstream however if the body is unable to excrete these toxins in the urine it will deposit (sequester) these compounds into tissue. Let’s take lead and mercury for example - lead may be sequestered into bone where as mercury shows particular predisposition for accumulating in the kidneys and brain tissue.

What are toxins?

Simply put toxins are any material or compound that has an undesirable effect on the human body. Most toxins are synthetic, man-made compounds that are found in our homes, our drinking water, our air, our soil.

Many of these toxins are things that you can't see, smell or feel, at least not right away. One of the major problems with them is just that. We don't realize that we're being affected until we come down with a chronic disease after years of subtle and often consistent exposure to a combination of these toxins.

The frightening truth is that they are more prevalent now than ever, considering modern research is now uncovering links between toxicity and disease isn't is about time you did something about it?

Where do these toxins come from?

Toxins are all around us; here we have broken down the most common source exposures. Whilst we may have one of the best solutions at combating toxicity it makes logical sense to limit exposure as best we can.

Top 10 sources of toxicity

  • PCB’s - (polychlorinated biphenyls)

    This industrial chemical has been banned in the United States for decades, yet is a persistent organic pollutant that's still present in our environment.

    Risks: - Cancer, impaired fetal brain development
    Major Source: Farm-raised salmon. Most farm-raised salmon, which accounts for most of the supply in the United States are fed meals of ground-up fish that have absorbed PCBs in the environment and for this reason should be avoided.

  • Pesticides

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic. Alarmingly, pesticide residues have been detected in 50 percent to 95 percent of U.S. foods.

    Risks: - Cancer, Parkinson's disease, miscarriage, nerve damage, birth defects, blocking the absorption of food nutrients
    Major Source: Food (fruits, vegetables and commercially raised meats), bug sprays

  • Mold and other fungal toxins

    One in three people have had an allergic reaction to mold. Mycotoxins (fungal toxins) can cause a range of health problems with exposure to only a small amount.

    Risks: - Cancer, heart disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis, diabetes
    Major Source: Contaminated buildings, food like peanuts, wheat, corn and alcoholic beverages.

  • Phthalates

    These chemicals are used to lengthen the life of fragrances and soften plastics.

    Risks: - Endocrine system damage (phthalates chemically mimic hormones and are particularly dangerous to children)
    Major Source: Plastic wrap, plastic bottles, plastic food storage containers. All of these can leach phthalates into our food.

  • VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

    VOCs are a major contributing factor to ozone, an air pollutant. According to the EPA, VOCs tend to be even higher (two to five times) in indoor air than outdoor air, likely because they are present in so many household products.

    Risks: - Cancer, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment
    Major Source: Drinking water, carpet, paints, deodorants, cleaning fluids, varnishes, cosmetics, dry cleaned clothing, moth repellents, air fresheners.

  • Dioxins

    Chemical compounds formed as a result of combustion processes such as commercial or municipal waste incineration and from burning fuels (like wood, coal or oil).

    Risks: - Cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, chloracne (a severe skin disease with acne-like lesions), skin rashes, skin discoloration, excessive body hair, mild liver damage
    Major Source: Animal fats: Over 95 percent of exposure comes from eating commercial animal fats.

  • Heavy Metals - Arsenic, Mercury, Lead, Cadnium

    Metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminium and cadmium, which are prevalent in many areas of our environment, can accumulate in soft tissues of the body.

    Risks: - Cancer, neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, foggy head, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels.
    Major Source: Drinking water, fish, vaccines, pesticides, preserved wood, antiperspirant, building materials, dental amalgams, chlorine plants.

  • Chloroform:

    This colourless liquid has a pleasant, non-irritating odour and a slightly sweet taste, and is used to make other chemicals. It's also formed when chlorine is added to water.

    Risks: - Cancer, potential reproductive damage, birth defects, dizziness, fatigue, headache, liver and kidney damage.
    Major Source: Air, drinking water and food can contain chloroform.

  • Chlorine

    This highly toxic, yellow-green gas is one of the most heavily used chemical agents.

    Risks: - Sore throat, coughing, eye and skin irritation, rapid breathing, narrowing of the bronchi, wheezing, blue colouring of the skin, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, pain in the lung region, severe eye and skin burns, lung collapse, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) (a type of asthma)
    Major Source: Household cleaners, drinking water (in small amounts), air when living near an industry (such as a paper plant) that uses chlorine in industrial processes.

  • Asbestos

    This insulating material was widely used from the 1950s to 1970s. Problems arise when the material becomes old and crumbly, releasing fibers into the air.

    Risks: - Cancer, scarring of the lung tissue, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer)
    Major Source: Insulation on floors, ceilings, water pipes and healing ducts from the 1950s to 1970s.

Another important fact that one should be aware of is that:

  • Over 3,000 chemicals are added to our food supply
  • More than 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers and preservatives are used in food processing

The symptoms of toxic overload

I am feeling mediocre but have a few health issues - are they toxin related?

Here is a partial list of possible symptoms related to toxic overload:

  • Headaches
  • Lethargy
  • Fatigue
  • Allergies
  • Chronic Infection
  • Depression
  • Chemical Sensitivity
  • Joint Pain
  • Frequent colds

It is important to realise that these above could stem from a multitude of other causes so toxicity is often never expected or even considered. Many experts believe toxins pose the greatest threat to our future and that for our children.