Toxic Load: What’s Contributing and How You Can Lower It

This past weekend I was able to attend yet another Functional Medicine conference in Chicago. One of the speakers was Dr. Pearlmutter, whom you may recognize from The Dr. Oz Show. He’s a neurologist who has been going against conventional wisdom and talking about the role gluten plays regarding brain health. Very fascinating, but also congruent with what we in the functional medicine world talk about all the time.

But what was also fascinating, and just as important, was the topic of toxicity and body toxic load. Not only is this a huge issue for our brains (toxic material is stored in fat tissue, and the brain is mostly fat), but it also affects most all areas of our daily lives and health in ways we may not realize.

There were a few takeaway stats I’d like to share with you that really can portray the state of our toxic burden today.

• Anymore, food technology is being used solely to create “yummy edibles” laced with industrial chemicals (think all of the Blue #5, Yellow #6, etc. – all derived from tar).
• MSG, not only being a strong neuro-stimulant, has been shown to drive insulin three-fold (meaning it contributes to insulin resistance and, later, diabetes).
• In 2013, four billion dollars in food stamps was spent on soda.
• Visceral fat (excess fat you store) can drive behavior (this fat is very inflammatory and can affect brain health).
• The average yearly sugar consumption of a U.S. citizen is 152 pounds; refined flour, 146 pounds.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently reported that herbicide use doubled from 62 million pounds in 1996 to 128 million pounds in 2012. Roundup now represents more then 83 percent of the chemical pesiticides used in the U.S. annually (Sayer Ji, Monday, June 2, 2014. Article from Greenmedinfo.com – “Back in Feb of 2012, the journal Archives of Toxicology published a shocking study showing that Roundup is toxic to human DNA even when diluted to concentrations 250-fold lower than used in agricultural applications.”).
• Jim Jones, the Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, was asked how many chemicals CURRENTLY in use are so dangerous they should get a harder look by the agency to protect public health and the environment. He answered… 1000. It was stated in the Epoch Times that regulators can tackle about 20 chemicals per year at $1 million per chemical. That basically means that in 50 years we’ll know the severity of the 1000 chemicals currently affecting our health.
• Mom’s Across America found that the average U.S. pregnant woman holds a MINIMUM of 43 toxins, with breast milk containing elevated levels of glyphosate (Roundup).
• Finally, the EWG states that there were a total of 287 chemicals in 10 newborns cord blood studied (2004) (Body Burden: The Pollution in Newborns, Environmental Working Group, July 14, 2005). Of these chemicals, 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development.

This could go on, but the point is to share that we really live in the most toxic times in history (and it’s estimated to only get worse). With polluted water, food, and pesticide exposure, action steps need to be taken daily to protect oneself.

ALL of these chemicals/toxins are absorbed and need to be filtered by your liver. Decreased ability to do so can lead to things like fatigue, hormone imbalances, cancer, immune problems, and thyroid issues.

Here are some steps you can take to lower your toxic load:

• Eat organically (especially meats). For a list of the top foods which contain pesticides, read more at the Environmental Working Group here.
• Get rid of all household cleaners, bug killers, air fresheners, etc. These give off tremendous amounts of toxic chemicals in your home.
• Think about how to REALLY purify your home’s water and air. There is a lot of debate regarding water and air filtration. I have a few sources I recommend. Feel free to contact the office for more info.
• Consider swapping out all your cosmetics. These are pretty much the worst as it relates to toxicity. Things like shampoos, soaps, lotions, and makeup all contribute to your body’s toxic load. Chronic load of these items can add up to disease in the end.

Meet Guest Blogger Dr. Zachary Watkins

Dr. Zachary Watkins is a 2006 graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University where he completed his five-year doctorate degree. He is board certified as an internist through American Board of Chiropractic Internists (ABCI), is a board-eligible clinical nutritionist (DACBN) and is a Certified Nutrition Specialist practitioner (CNS).

Along with his board certification and eligibility, he has finished studies in Functional Medicine from Southern California University of Health Sciences and The Institute for Functional Medicine and is DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) certified.

Dr. Watkins’ goal is to help women understand how they can optimize their health with regards to the four most common conditions that are seen in his office: intestinal problems, hormone imbalances, fatigue, and fertility. It is his hope to see his patients understand true, optimal health and that the sole responsibility of being well for many years lies upon themselves along with the aided effort and recommendations of a nutritionally-oriented physician.

Connect with Dr. Watkins on the web at www.drzacwatkins.com and www.healthyfertilityandbaby.com.