Toxemia is the medical term that defines a condition in which our bodies accumulate poisonous substances to a point that levels exceed our body's ability to cleanse them away. From conception, a child is exposed to an enormous amount of environmental toxins beginning with their mother and then the rest of the world. In North America, the air is toxic with over 80,000 metric tons of carcinogens released annually. The water is polluted with over 2100 chemicals in most municipal water supplies. The food supply is contaminated with over 80 percent of the foods having genetically modified ingredients, loaded with toxic chemicals and hormones and depleted of many nutrients.
One of the first toxins a child is exposed to is mercury. In a study by the Environmental Working Group, umbilical cord blood from ten babies was taken and tested for contaminants. The results showed that the babies had an average of 287 contaminants including methyl mercury. Of these chemicals, 180 are carcinogenic in humans, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system and 208 are known to cause birth defects.
For years, vaccines have been a remarkable source of mercury exposure to children. Infants are given hepatitis B; this is followed by 32 shots and boosters by the age of two. Although vaccines are safer today since the removal of thimerosal, the mercury preservative, some still contain this known toxin. The flu vaccine and the DT booster still contain mercury. DtaP-HepB-IPV also contains trace amounts of thimerosal. Replacement preservatives include phenol, benzethonium chloride and formaldehyde.
Even if a child has never been vaccinated nor had amalgam fillings, the youngster is still exposed to a host of toxins via the air, water and soil. The human body now harbors more xenobiotics or foreign chemicals than any other time in history. Today newborns are so burdened with xenobiotics, they are not expected to live as long as their parents. One in six children born today has some degree of neurological/behavioral impairment from environmental xenobiotics.
Phthalates and plastics are the main pollutants in the body. They damage numerous areas including the brain and thyroid. It has been shown phthalates create insulin resistance which is contributing to our obesity epidemic. This number one pollutant is in our food, beverages, medicines, air, cosmetics, construction material and textiles and therefore very difficult to avoid.
Parabens and phthalates are commonly in our personal care products. The FDA does not regulate the use of these chemicals, nor does it require manufactures to disclose them as ingredients. The trade secret loophole allows manufactures to conceal them under general terms such as fragrance. To avoid phthalates, use cosmetics that contain all natural ingredients. Read the list of ingredients and avoid products that have fragrances, parabens, artificial colors or petroleum in them.
According to the 1992 Earth Summit, the US has the worst soil in the world. Tragically, herbicides and pesticides, as well as overuse, has depleted our soil of its nutritious minerals. In order to have maximum nutrient content in our food, we must buy organically and locally whenever possible. Limit the amount of processed food, packaged, you can. Due to our food's nutrient depletion, it has become evident that supplementation is necessary.
Diseases have reached epidemic proportions with new labels continually emerging such as chronic fatigue, metabolic syndrome, fibromyalgia, premenstrual syndrome, autism and erectile dysfunction. Most of these are managed by medications which poison abnormally functioning pathways. Researchers now tell us 95 percent of cancers and possibly other diseases have only two causes, diet and environment.
Not only is there this toxic burden and nutrient depleted food, but then unfortunately, the majority of Americans choose to eat nutritionally depleted food on a daily basis. The average American eats a Standard American Diet which consists of processed, refined food that upsets the entire balance of the body which has to fight to digest and process these foods which can cause inflammation, GI imbalance, autoimmune disease and obesity. The average American eats 203 pounds of sugar per year, fast and processed foods, sodas, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
Humans have created a toxic world polluting the very environment on which we are dependent to live. Therefore, we are dealing with more and more health problems. However, help is on the way. There are things that can be done to improve our lifestyle.
With all the toxins in food, water and air, as a physician, I have my patients undergo a complete nutritional lifestyle change and a series of steps to help them detoxify and optimally support their health. The following is the optimal wellness and detoxification protocol.
Drink adequate filtered water. Tap water has been shown to have pesticides, antibiotics and other medications as well as metals, fluoride, insecticides, herbicides, etc. The only way to filter out fluoride is by using a reverse osmosis water filter. When possible, drink two to three liters of water per day out of glass containers.
Breathe clean air. Try to get outside into clean air as much as possible. Focus on long, slow inhalations and exhalations. Deep breathing helps move our lymphatic system and our blood flow.
Choose a diet using locally grown organic foods when possible. Have a diet dominated by fresh produce, eating minimal amounts of animal protein. Eat low glutinous grains such as basmati rice, quinoa, millet and buckwheat. Try to eat seasonal produce, and add herbs to your diet for extra phytonutrients. Cook with organic, unrefined, cold pressed olive oil or coconut oil.
By eating a diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables, your bodies' pH remains neutral. Test your first morning urine. This pH should be 6.5 to 7.5. When your body pH is neutral,l the tissue is able to release more toxins. Acid forming foods include most proteins such as meats, fish, poultry and eggs and nearly all carbohydrates such as grains, breads, pastas and most fats. Eat lots of dark leafy greens, or drink green super foods to help alkalinize the body.
Use safe cookware, avoiding Teflon, for it is made out of toxic chemicals. The safest is glass, stainless steel or enameled cast-iron. All clad is an excellent choice.
Exercising regularly helps control weight and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It also helps the lymphatic system remove cellular waste. Aerobic exercise can increase lymphatic flow which means the body can release three times the amount of toxins. Plus with increased perspiration, additional toxins are released.
Work towards having eight to nine hours of sleep a night. Sleep is essential for restoration of the body. Restful sleep supports a healthy immune and endocrine system. Avoid chronic stimulants which effect deep sleep such as leaving on the television and having caffeinated drinks.
Skin is your largest organ; use it for regular detoxifications. Consider skin brushing, detox baths or far infrared sauna to assist elimination of toxins. Infrared is the only way to release phthalates from cells of the body. Sweat is only way to remove PCB's, dioxins, phthalates and volatile organic hydrocarbons. Cosmetics are loaded with chemicals, so only use safe ones.
Cleanse your sinuses daily. Use a netti pot daily with warm water and a pinch of sea salt. This will cleanse the nasal mucosa decreasing infections and allergies.
Fasting is an old method of detoxification that became part of many religious practices. Fasting allows the body to heal by giving it a rest. A three to five day juice fast creates an alkaline environment and really can help the body eliminate accumulated waste products, chemicals and toxins.
The liver is the key organ responsible for detoxification. It is your filter. If it is functioning properly, it will protect you from both environmental and metabolic poisons. Extra nutrients such as milk thistle, N-Acetyl l-Cysteine, Wasabia, Proanthocyanidins, curcumin and acetyl glutathione are supportive to the liver.
Hopefully, by following the guidelines of eating a proper diet, drinking filtered water, breathing clean air, exercising, sleeping skin care, fasting and detoxification, you will have a long, healthy life.
