Betty and Joy (Photo provided)
Betty Lacey, MD and Urmila Joy Sandhu, IMHC, CFMP, PA
Environmental toxicity is a major cause of disease for humans and all living organisms. Toxins are poorly understood by the medical community because the subject is not taught in medical school and doctors do not consider the impact toxins have on our health. We are chronically exposed to toxins and pass on their burden across generations. In today’s world, newborns have at least 280 known toxins in their blood before they take their first breath.
This buildup, even at low levels, overtaxes our body’s natural detoxification system and manifests as symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, headaches, rashes, and sleep disorders. These symptoms can be seen as divine messengers telling us that something is wrong. Ultimately, if this burden is not corrected, it can lead to serious diagnoses such as cancer, stroke, autoimmune diseases, and dementia. The brain is a prime target because it uses 1/4 of the body’s energy, 2/3 is fat, and toxins are stored in fat. Toxins cause inflammation and damage brain and body functions.
Our bodies have built-in systems to eliminate toxins. In today’s world, we are all exposed to tons of chemicals that have not been evaluated for health or safety. Our innate systems cannot always cope with the load.
The symptoms people develop are complex and can affect multiple organs, creating a confusing situation for patients and doctors. There are things we can do to limit and manage these exposures.
One way to understand toxins is to divide them into internal and external sources.
Examples of external sources:
• Solvents/petrochemicals – paints, furniture, carpets, clothing.
• Heavy metals – Cookware, personal care products, tap water, dental fillings, fish.
• Air pollution – vehicle exhaust, industrial waste, fires.
• Parabens – cleaning products and cosmetics.
• Pesticides and herbicides – in our gardens, parks and food.
• EMF Radiation – Wi-Fi, cell towers, cell phones, airplanes, microwaves, smart appliances.
• Mold from homes and offices.
Sources of toxins in the body include:
• Food – Food that is conventionally produced using chemicals and additives, animals forced to live in stressful and inhumane conditions, and fed genetically modified grains.
• Intestinal infections produce toxins and are very common.
• Infectious diseases such as Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr virus.
• Medicines – all have side effects.
• Stress – affects all biological systems, money, relationships, trauma, inactivity, and more.
• Insulin resistance – Very common in modern society.
Here’s what you should do to support your health:
• Eat organic foods, avoid processed and GMO foods, avoid chemicals, learn to cook, and plan your meals. Avoid the 60 or so misleading names for sugar (including artificial sweeteners) (more on sugar in a future column).
• Use natural products. If you don’t understand the ingredients on the label, don’t use them. Remember, your skin absorbs things. Think of your skin as a giant mouth.
• Improve your diet and eat nutritious foods such as organic vegetables and herbs.
• Support your natural detoxification system through exercise, sweating, daily bowel movements, and drinking clean water (not bottled water).
• Avoid using plastic food containers.
• Use cookware that does not contain Teflon or aluminum.
• Stop using Roundup. Roundup kills many life forms, not just your microbiome. Remember, gut health = brain health = health.
• Use the Environmental Working Group website at ewg.org for information and guidance.
• Support local organic farmers. Food is not just medicine, it is information for your cells and genes.
• Practice calming habits: reduce stimulation, slow down, and unplug.
Get tested for heavy metals, environmental toxins, and glyphosate. Once your toxin load has been accurately determined and the source of the toxins identified,
Once symptoms are identified, begin a detoxification program under the supervision of a naturopathic doctor or functional medicine specialist.
I highly recommend the book “Brain Body Diet” by Sarah Gottfried, MD.
Imagine the world 100 or 200 years ago. The toxic load was totally different and not everywhere like it is today. When we realize these facts about the world and our health, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and even depressed. With awareness, change can happen. Share this information. As knowledge spreads, we are driven by love for our children, animals, nature, family and friends, and slowly change begins to happen.
Brain, Body, Health www.drbettylacy.com
