UNDERSTANDING TOTAL TOXIC BURDEN

We encounter toxins on a daily basis due to exposure from the environment, food and water contamination, in the workplace and at home through personal and consumer products for skincare, laundry and cleaning products and medications. These toxins include pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, endocrine disruptors and xenoestrogens, fragrances and heavy metals. By developing an understanding of how pervasive these substances are, we can realize the real potential for underrated underlying connection in symptoms. The goal is not to create anxiety about things outside of our control, but to provide information which can empower better decision making. The key to preventing toxic overload is reducing the incoming toxic burden, while at the same time enhancing body detox capacity to handle that which does come in.

Chemicals

Toxins are not a new phenomenon. However, the toxic load today is higher than it’s ever been, as a result of pollution, pesticides, heavy metals, drugs, exogenous hormones and other man made chemicals. In fact, chemical use in the last century has risen over 2,000%. Toxic chemicals are man made substances that can cause severe illness, poisoning, birth defects, disease or death when ingested, inhaled or absorbed by living organisms. Most of these chemicals are not safety tested because the chemical industry has little required burden of proof for safety before going to market. As a result, the cumulative effect of multiple chemicals at the same time is unknown. Many chemicals that aren’t classified as toxic may have negative effects when introduced into the body and must still be managed by our detoxification systems.

Our greatest exposure to toxins is usually from environmental and external sources. Much of our environmental exposure can be difficult to avoid. However, our largest toxin exposure comes from food, water and personal care products – areas where avoidance is possible.

Environmental Chemicals

Environmental chemicals are a significant source of toxin exposure, impacting human health and ecosystems on a global scale. Industrial activities are a major contributor, with factories and facilities releasing an alarming 310 kilograms of toxic chemicals into the air, water and soil every second—totaling over 10 million tons, or more than 21 billion pounds, annually.

A major category of environmental toxins comes from pesticides, which include herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides and algicides. These chemicals are widely used in agriculture to control pests and weeds but are also a source of environmental and human exposure. Pesticides are designed to kill or repel living organisms, but they also pose serious risks to humans, wildlife and ecosystems. For example, insecticides, which are commonly used to manage pests in both agricultural settings and home gardens, can impair reproductive health, disrupt neurotransmitter signaling and interfere with digestion, metabolism and gut function.

Insecticides are particularly toxic because they can impair reproduction and neurotransmitter signaling, interfere with digestion and gut function and interfere with metabolism. A 2022 report from The Detox Project revealed that glyphosate, a widely used pesticide, was found in a wide range of everyday food products, including bread, legumes and grains from major grocery chains such as Whole Foods, Amazon, Walmart and Target. Glyphosate has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, endocrine disruption and liver damage. Its widespread presence in food highlights the pervasive nature of agricultural chemicals and their ability to enter the food supply, affecting consumers even when they are unaware.

Avoiding Environmental Chemicals

Here are our top 3 tips to reduce exposure to environmental chemicals:

Prioritize Organic Food: Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
Filter Your Water: A high-quality water filter that can remove common contaminants found in tap water.
Minimize Use of Pesticides in Your Home and Garden: These chemicals can disrupt hormonal systems, affect neurological development and contribute to long-term health problems.

One great resource to make well informed food buying decisions is The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen, which shows pesticide residue levels in food.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), or ‘forever chemicals’, are toxic chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods, accumulate in the food chain and can pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife. POPs are acknowledged toxic chemicals that adversely affect human and animal health and the environment. Although many are no longer produced or used, they persist in the environment. The toxic effects from these ‘forever chemicals’ include:

Endocrine Disruption: POPs can interfere with the endocrine system, leading to developmental delays, fertility problems and increased risk of thyroid disorders and obesity.
Carcinogenicity: Many POPs have been linked to various types of cancer, including liver, kidney, breast and reproductive cancers. Chronic exposure to these chemicals can damage cellular DNA, leading to the development of tumors.
Reproductive Toxicity: POPs can negatively affect reproductive health. They are known to cause infertility, reduced sperm quality and hormonal imbalances. In women, exposure to POPs has been linked to complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage and preterm birth, as well as developmental issues in newborns.
Neurological & Developmental Issues: Exposure, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood, can have long-lasting effects on brain development. POPs have been associated with cognitive and behavioral problems, including learning disabilities, attention deficits, reduced IQ and developmental delays.
Immune Suppression: POPs can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and autoimmune diseases.

AVOIDING POPs

Reducing exposure to POPs is essential for long-term health and environmental protection. Here are some best practices to minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals:

Avoid first and second-hand smoke.
Use cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.
Use in-home air and water filtration. Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce the presence of airborne pollutants in your home.
Consider natural or organic alternatives to chemical pesticides when possible.
Choose brands that prioritize non-toxic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
Opt for natural, non-toxic cleaning solutions.
Look for furniture and mattresses made with natural materials and avoid items treated with chemical flame retardants. Let new furniture outgas before bringing into the house.
Use a respirator and other protective equipment if you work with chemicals.

ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS

Many chemicals, including pesticides and POPs, are endocrine disruptors. For more information, please read our blog on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals.

HEAVY METALS

Exposure to heavy metals occurs not only through naturally occurring elements but also due to widespread distribution and concentrated exposure resulting from mining, industrial activities, domestic use, agriculture, medical treatments and technological applications. The toxicity of these metals depends on several factors, including the level and duration of exposure.

Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are among the most toxic, posing significant risks even at low levels of exposure. These metals are systemic toxicants known to cause damage to multiple organs, affecting cellular membranes, mitochondria and DNA. Additionally, heavy metals increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage.

Arsenic: Arsenic is used in various industrial processes, certain veterinary applications and limited medical treatments. It can enter the food supply through contamination of soil, water or air. The most significant source of inorganic arsenic exposure is contaminated drinking water, particularly in areas with arsenic-rich groundwater.

Cadmium: Cadmium is a powerful irritant to both the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, posing significant health risks even at relatively low levels of exposure. Industrial and agricultural workers are at an elevated risk for cadmium toxicity. For the general population, the primary sources of cadmium exposure are cigarette smoke and contaminated food.

Lead: Lead is toxic at any exposure level, posing serious health risks even in small amounts. Industrial activities are major contributors to environmental lead contamination, including the burning of fossil fuels, mining, and the production of batteries, ammunition, metal pipes and x-ray shielding. While most intentional uses of lead have been banned in the US, up to 25% of homes and businesses still contain lead-based paint, continuing to pose a risk.

Mercury: Exposure to mercury, even in small amounts, can lead to severe health issues, particularly affecting the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Industrial emissions from coal-fired power plants, residential coal burning for heating and cooking, and waste incineration contribute to the airborne release of mercury. Mercury is also found in some electrical equipment, dental amalgams, seafood and certain pharmaceuticals.

Avoiding Heavy Metals

Reducing exposure to heavy metals is important for overall health, especially since prolonged exposure can lead to toxicity and various health issues. Here are some tips to minimize exposure:

Eat fish with the lowest mercury levels – salmon, sardines, anchovies, scallop, shrimp, clam and oyster.
Choose fish oil supplements that are “mercury tested”.
Be cautious of food storage and cooking vessels made in countries that still use lead.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove contaminants.
If you live in an older home, it may contain lead-based paint or plumbing. If you’re concerned, have a professional inspect and remediate.
If you work in an industry where you’re exposed to heavy metals, use protective equipment.

Although unavoidable, reducing our toxic burden is possible with close attention to our choices about the food and consumer products we consume and use on a daily basis.

If you suspect you have a high toxic burden, we are here to support you through:

Testing for toxic exposures to environmental toxins, heavy metals and/or mycotoxins.
Comprehensive detoxification support.

Please reach out to us today to get started.

Join Our Team

UNDERSTANDING TOTAL TOXIC BURDEN