What does it really mean when someone says “toxin?” It seems like a nebulous term that gets thrown around quite a bit today. Below are some of the most notable toxins linked to serious diseases. They include heavy metal exposure, chemical exposure, and endocrine disruptors.
Heavy metal poisoning refers to when high levels of heavy metals actually impact the normal function of the body. Examples of heavy metals that can cause toxicity include lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Exposure to heavy metals through pesticides, tap water, and dental fillings. For example, high levels of mercury can damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems. One study goes on to say, “With increased aspects of pollution such as aluminum, mercury, and cadmium and air and water-borne pollutants that mimic estrogen, the potential of increased neurological damage is at an all-time high (Exley, 2013)” (Annamalai & Namasivayam, 2015).
Some patients may have acute poisoning or chronic poisoning.
Acute poisoning includes:
- Feel confused
- Numbness
- Feeling sick
Chronic poisoning happens after exposure for a long time. Symptoms often include:
- Weakness and tiredness
- Achy joints and muscles
One of the reasons I ask patients about their dental work is metal toxicity!
Radon is another chemical that can cause toxicity in the body. The most common cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers – is radon. This naturally occurring radioactive gas seeps into homes from the ground and can build up to levels that are high enough to cause lung cancer.
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To see if your house has radon exposure, a typical radon test is simple and inexpensive.
Here is a list of 10 signs and symptoms of lung cancer due to radon exposure:
1. Persistent cough
2. Hoarseness
3. Wheezing
4. Shortness of breath
5. Coughing up blood
6. Chest pain
7. Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
8. Loss of appetite
9. Weight loss
10. Fatigue
The most common method to mitigate radon exposure is to divert radon gas from under the basement floor through a pipe to the outside — either through the roof like a chimney or through a wall to a vent. Once outdoors, the radon gas dissipates and is not a hazard.
Another common cause of toxicity is endocrine disruptors. One study found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals may influence hormonal shifts during pregnancy as well as contribute to PPD (postpartum).
Estrogen dominance may also be caused by exposure to xenoestrogens (toxic compounds that mimic estrogen and wreak havoc on your endocrine system) and inadequate estrogen clearance due to sluggish liver function.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests there may be a link between postpartum depression and exposure to chemicals found in plastics and beauty products such as nail polish, shampoo, and perfume (Romper 2022).
Some of these chemicals may include xenoestrogens, which are foreign chemicals that act like estrogen and bind to the estrogen receptors of cells in your body. They disrupt the endocrine system (which is responsible for hormone production), leading to disease, the growth of adipose tissue (fat) and infertility in humans and animals of all ages. Examples includes phthalates in plastic and parabens in makeup.
It’s time to choose safer home products and use ingredients that actually nourish the body, not hurt it!
Knowing some of the main factors involved with toxins is key to understanding your environment and looking deeper into the root causes of disease.
If you or a loved one is undergoing a cancer diagnosis and looking for treatments that go beyond chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, we are here to help at 949-680-1880!
*This information is for educational purposes only.
