TOXINS

Are You Aware of Everyday Dangers

There are two types of toxins: exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous toxins are those that we find in our environment, while endogenous toxins are those that our bodies make as a result of metabolism. We may experience a variety of symptoms and conditions due to environmental toxins, such as fatigue, headaches, coughing, joint pain, skin rashes, sleep problems, gastrointestinal issues, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease, memory loss, and many other symptoms and diseases.

Our environment is full of toxins, and it is up to each of us to become aware of the dangers so that we can avoid them. Some examples of environmental toxins are gasoline, petroleum, cleaning products, exhaust fumes, paints and pesticides, which can be ingested, inhaled and absorbed. Our foods are sprayed with a variety of pesticides, such as organochlorine, organophosphate and glyphosate. There are chemicals in almost everything we use and eat—even our makeup, soaps and shower products.

We sometimes ingest toxins unknowingly, such as when we drink water out of plastic water bottles. Plastic can leach into the water over time, making what are called xenoestrogens. These xenoestrogens then act as estrogens in our bodies and cause a disruption of the endocrine system. This may happen with any food that is packaged in plastic.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the 12 most pesticide-laden foods, referred to as the Dirty Dozen, are strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery and potatoes. If you are trying to stay away from pesticides, it may be worth purchasing these products in the organic produce department.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in foods has also become a concern. Even though the production of this human-made organic chemical was banned in 1979, it is still being released into our environment. PCBs are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to causing problems with the endocrine system, such as the thyroid. Farm-raised fish, such as Atlantic salmon, may have up to 40 times more PCBs than other foods. Butter (nonorganic) and canned tuna fish also contain high levels.

Heavy metal overload can cause many problems, such as neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, skeletal and bone-related issues, dermatological, renal, hepatic and reproductive issues. Heavy metal toxicity may, therefore, be the root cause of many chronic symptoms and diseases. Heavy metals are present throughout the United States, and can accumulate in water, soil and air. Heavy metals have the ability to deplete our bodies of vital nutrients, such as minerals and antioxidants. The World Health Organization considers these heavy metals of importance: arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, tin and titanium.

The best way to stay away from toxins is to educate yourself on the products you use. Look up the ingredients listed on your foods as well as your personal products and familiarize yourself with the toxins. Purchase organic produce, sustainably farmed foods and natural personal products, and stay away from the Dirty Dozen, unless they are organic.

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Dr. Ann Charlotte Valentin is a family physician and also has post-graduate education in bioidentical hormones, Koren Specific Technique, CranioSacral Therapy, Emotional Release Technique and BodyTalk. Valentin also works as an evidential medium and spiritual educator. To have your toxic load tested for environmental toxins or heavy metals, make an appointment with Valentin. The test is a simple urine collection, and the kit is sent directly to your house. Valentin is providing consultations both through telemedicine as well as in person for the rest of 2020 due to COVID-19. Connect with her at 602-888-2320 or DrLotte.com.  

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