Summary of How To Reduce Your Environmental Toxin Exposure:
Dr. Mark Hyman discussed the impact of environmental toxins on human health in an episode of his podcast, The Doctor’s Farmacy. He explained that low-level exposure to multiple substances is a risk factor for many diseases, including cancer, obesity, and dementia. He cited examples of toxins such as bisphenol A (BPA), which mimics estrogen and is found in plastic water bottles and canned foods, and phthalates, found in food containers and children’s toys. Dr. Hyman advised avoiding touching credit card and gas station receipts, using BPA-free packaging and stainless steel or glass bottles instead of plastic bottles, and using non-toxic household cleaning products. He also recommended using the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database to find safe personal care products.
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Environmental Toxins: Understanding and Reducing Your Exposure
Environmental toxins are substances that are present in our environment and pose a danger to our health. These toxins come from everyday products we use, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. The human body has a natural detoxification system to remove toxins, but our modern lifestyle and pollution overexposes us to toxins that our bodies can’t handle. This leads to a range of health problems, from cancer to obesity. In this article, we’ll explore environmental toxins, how they affect our health, and the steps we can take to reduce our exposure.
Bisphenol A (BPA): A Toxic Compound to Avoid
BPA is a synthetic compound that mimics estrogen, found in plastic water bottles and canned foods. Exposure to BPA has been linked to breast cancer, reproductive issues, obesity, heart disease, and more. It’s not difficult to avoid BPA in our everyday life. We need to avoid touching credit card receipts or gas station receipts that come out of the machine. We should avoid eating or drinking from plastic bottles or canned foods unless they are BPA-free. We can use stainless steel glass bottling packaging and look for BPA-free canned fruits.
Phthalates: The Endocrine-Disrupting Compound
Phthalates are plasticizers found in food containers, children’s toys, and makeup. Exposure to phthalates causes hormonal chaos and is linked to different cancers, birth defects, and thyroid problems. The best way to avoid phthalates is to get rid of all unhealthy makeup and use healthy alternatives. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has an excellent Skin Deep database, where you can check the level of toxins in your skincare products and find alternatives.
Glycol Ethers: Found in Household Cleaning Products
Glycol ethers are present in household cleaning products, cosmetics, and paints and damage fertility, leading to birth defects. They also worsen allergies and asthma. To avoid glycol ethers, we should use the least contaminated products or ones that have no toxins in them that work well. The EWG also provides a comprehensive guide on household cleaning products.
Reduce Your Exposure to Heavy Metals
Mercury, lead, and arsenic are heavy metals present in everyday products like fish, our fillings, and cold-burning plants that pollute our air. We can reduce our exposure to heavy metals by eating low-mercury fish or by having our fillings removed and replaced with safe alternatives. Additionally, we should check for air pollution levels in our area and take measures to protect ourselves.
Conclusion
Environmental toxins pose a devastating impact on our health, from cancer to obesity, affecting the immune system, hormonal balance, and other critical functions. Being aware of toxins and taking steps to reduce our exposure is essential to protecting both ourselves and future generations. It’s best to avoid products containing dangerous chemicals, look for healthy alternatives, and be cautious about the air we breathe and the food we consume. By taking small steps daily, we can eliminate toxins and lead healthier lives.
