Naturally healthy
What are environmental toxins and how do they affect our health?
- Skin (radiation, hygiene and cosmetic products)
- Respiratory tract (breathing air, cigarette smoke)
- Oral mucosa (amalgam fillings)
- Digestive tract (food, medication)
Not only combats weeds: glyphosate
The consequences of glyphosate for human health have been under discussion for a long time. In the 20 years from 1994 to 2014, production of the world's most widely used weedkiller increased 14-fold. However, the 850,000 tons per year are not the end of the story, as observers expect the glyphosate market to continue to grow strongly in the coming years. The herbicide, which kills every non-genetically modified plant, is not only a threat to biodiversity, but also to the human body.
Glyphosate is everywhere. Even in the urine of city dwellers who have no connection to agriculture, the herbicide can be detected in around 70 percent of samples. An in-vitro study by the University of Copenhagen suggests that the toxin also crosses the placental barrier. Small amounts of glyphosate enter the child's bloodstream through the mother's bloodstream and can thus have a negative impact on the child's hormone system. A study on young rats indicates irreversible consequences for pregnant women. Male animals exposed to glyphosate-containing pesticides were characterized by low testosterone levels and low sperm production. In female animals, an inhibitory effect on oestrogen production was demonstrated.
Glyphosate also poses a major challenge for the sensitive bacterial ecosystem of the intestine. This system plays a role in human metabolism that can hardly be underestimated. The problem is that the plant toxin settles permanently in the body, whether in the bones, liver or intestines. Disturbances in the intestinal flora promote the development of many diseases, including Alzheimer's and cancer. The WHO's cancer research agency classifies glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic".
Dangerous in large doses: fluoride
Another common environmental toxin is fluoride, which is found particularly in toothpaste and fluoridated salt. Whether fluoride develops its toxic effect depends primarily on the dosage. In countries where people regularly consume fluoridated drinking water, bone diseases are widespread, for example in China or India. It is true that fluoride helps to increase bone density. However, this reduces their natural elasticity, making them easily brittle. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or dementia can also be attributed to fluoride overdoses. Fluorides impair the cells of the central nervous system and contribute to reduced learning ability, poorer memory performance and reduced intelligence.
Bad for the brain
It is not difficult to detect a veritable cocktail of chemicals in pregnant women, which is why children are born poisoned. More than 100 industrial chemicals can be detected in the blood of newborns, but breast milk is also full of toxins. The most important part of brain development takes place in the womb. If this process is disturbed, this can manifest itself later in a variety of developmental disorders. Many may be irreversible because the environmental toxins cause irreversible damage. They permanently change the body, which is why they are also known as body transformers.
Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury are known to impair brain development. Other substances promote the development of ADHD, depression and make emotional regulation more difficult. If children come into contact with phthalates before birth, this can lead to a significant reduction in intelligence, as well as deficits in working memory and thinking, according to researchers.
Toxins promote obesity
A whole host of studies suggest that environmental toxins not only promote the development of obesity, but also make it more difficult to lose weight. Basically, the more harmful substances that can be detected in the body, the more people tend to be overweight. The effect of these toxins varies greatly. Some cause the number of fat cells to change, while others impair the feeling of satiety. However, the functioning of the thyroid gland or the intestinal flora can also be affected. Some pesticides, for example, inhibit the protein UCP1, which regulates human energy consumption.
These effects are particularly dangerous for children, as there is much to suggest that the toxins can have irreversible consequences for their metabolism. For them, this means having to struggle with obesity right from the start of their lives. These changes can even affect the genetic material, meaning that the next generation will most likely also have to struggle with weight problems.
How toxins affect the gut and therefore the immune system
The gut has to cope with a wide range of toxins. These include pesticides, for example, which not only attack insects but also pose a threat to beneficial intestinal bacteria. This can severely impair gastrointestinal function and weaken the immune system. Probiotic intestinal bacteria also play an important role in preventing inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can limit their occurrence. If an infection occurs, for example due to mold, toxic metabolic products are produced that remain in the intestine for a long time and may permanently disrupt its function.
Ideally, the intestinal defense cells protect against pathogens. In autoimmune diseases such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis, however, they attack the body's own tissue. Even schoolchildren and toddlers are increasingly suffering from them. An intestinal flora that has to cope with many environmental toxins not only provides less protection against autoimmune processes, but actually promotes them. Incidentally, chronic constipation can also be an indication that the gut is exposed to a high level of toxins.
Why it can be worthwhile for you to detoxify your body
The body normally detoxifies itself. However, due to increasing exposure to a wide variety of harmful substances, the important detoxification organs of the liver, kidneys and intestines are becoming increasingly overwhelmed. By detoxifying yourself, you make their job easier. However, the list of benefits is much longer.
Many symptoms of chronic diseases can be reduced through detoxification. This not only has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces pain, but also strengthens the immune system as the body has more resources to fight viruses and bacteria. Anyone struggling with weight problems can also benefit from the change. In general, detoxification has the potential to make you feel more focused, alive and alert. Fewer pollutants also help to slow down cell deterioration, which can lead to better skin.
Central to detoxification: changing your eating habits
Detoxification has several facets. An important first step is for you to review your eating habits, as we absorb a large proportion of environmental toxins through food. The better the bioavailability of an active ingredient or nutrient, the more suitable it is for detoxification. Bioavailability refers to the body's ability to absorb and process a substance. It increases the less harmful substances a food contains.
Choosing suitable foods is key to the detoxification process. Ideally, you should avoid products that contain sugar, caffeine, alcohol or wheat flour and instead eat more fruit, vegetables, seeds and wholegrain products. Fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut support the function of the intestines, but wild herbs and omega-3 oils are also a good choice.
When changing your diet, you should of course make sure that the food you eat contains as few harmful substances as possible. Organically grown products generally contain fewer environmental toxins, such as pesticides. Another tip is to avoid industrially processed food and instead opt for unprocessed and fresh food from the region. If possible, you should avoid plastic packaging.
In addition to a conscious diet, high-quality food supplements can also support detoxification. It is important that each individual ingredient has been thoroughly tested and meets certain quality standards. This way you can be sure that the products are actually free from harmful substances and synthetically produced additives.
Why a change in diet is often not enough
Changing your diet is usually not enough to remove heavy metals. Special detoxification cures help to remove mercury compounds found in vaccines, disinfectants and medicines, for example. Another common cause of poisoning is the mercury contained in amalgam fillings. It often only makes sense to remove heavy metals after a dental restoration has been carried out.
Not to be underestimated: The products you need every day
If you want to detoxify yourself, everyday products are another important point. It's worth taking a closer look at the ingredients in cosmetics and hygiene products such as toothpaste, creams, deodorants and sun creams. For example, you should avoid products that contain parabens (the preservative is suspected of causing hormonal imbalance), phthalates (plasticizers), dyes and fragrances or formaldehyde (causes damage to the kidneys and liver).
Medical disclaimer:
The content provided here is for neutral information and general education purposes only. It does not constitute a recommendation or promotion of the diagnostic methods, treatments or medicines described or mentioned. The text makes no claim to completeness, nor can the topicality, accuracy and balance of the information provided be guaranteed. The text is in no way a substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist and must not be used as a basis for independent diagnosis or for starting, changing or stopping treatment of illnesses. Always consult a doctor you trust if you have any health questions or complaints! The authors accept no liability for any inconvenience or damage resulting from the use of the information presented here.
