Symptoms of Toxicity 

Since 1900, tens of millions of synthetic chemicals have been created, with estimates ranging from 100 million to several hundred million. These chemicals include substances used in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer products.

In the short term, toxicity often manifests through noticeable symptoms like feeling light-headed, experiencing nausea, or feeling weak. However, the impact of toxins on the body can extend far beyond these immediate signs. They can subtly contribute to various health issues, affecting mood, hormonal balance, fertility, cognitive development, and even leading to chronic conditions.

Understanding the link between toxins and chronic diseases is becoming increasingly important in the field of toxicology. Conditions such as autism, asthma, Alzheimer's, auto-immune diseases, Parkinson’s, and cancer are on the rise, and there's evidence suggesting a connection to the growing presence of environmental toxins. For instance, exposure to substances like vinyl chloride, glyphosate, different forms of mercury, nitrates, and toxic solvents widely used in paints, pharmaceuticals, plastics, degreasants, adhesives, printing inks, pesticides, fragrances, preservatives, cosmetics, and household cleaners have been linked to these diseases. Moreover, the risk of hormonal imbalances and infertility have also be linked to exposure to unregulated toxins, particularly those found in food.

Toxicity is no longer confined to specific isolated cases or industries. While certain professions like mechanics, farmers, and textile workers may face higher exposure levels, the reality is that nearly all Americans carry some degree of toxicity in their bodies.

Consider this: Glyphosate, the infamous chemical in the herbicide RoundUp, stands as a stark example of a potent toxin with alarming implications for health. Its usage has skyrocketed by over 200-fold since its commercial introduction in 1974 by Monsanto under the trade name Roundup. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as a "probable human carcinogen".

To put this into perspective, in the United States alone, more than 1.6 billion kilograms of glyphosate active ingredient have been applied since 1974, constituting roughly 19% of the estimated global use of glyphosate (8.6 billion kilograms). What's more, being water-soluble, glyphosate has permeated our environment, showing up in air and rainwater samples. In agricultural regions of Mississippi and Iowa, for instance, weekly samples collected during growing seasons consistently detected glyphosate, with frequencies ranging from 60 to 100%. Even preliminary studies in Indiana revealed its pervasive presence.

In 2020, Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto, reached a significant settlement regarding the Roundup litigation. They agreed to settle most of the existing Roundup cases for an eye-watering sum of up to $9.6 billion. However, notably absent from this settlement was an agreement to cover potential future cases.

Despite this massive settlement, the legal saga surrounding Roundup is far from over. Over 50,000 claims are still pending, indicating the widespread impact of this issue. Additionally, it's anticipated that at least 10 more Roundup trials will take place later in the same year.

The crux of these lawsuits revolves around allegations that exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, led to the development of cancer in individuals who used the product. Plaintiffs argue that Monsanto failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks associated with Roundup, particularly its carcinogenic properties.

This legal battle has garnered significant attention and has sparked discussions about the regulation of agricultural chemicals and the responsibility of corporations to prioritize consumer safety. The outcome of these remaining cases will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both Bayer and the broader agricultural industry.

This concerning prevalence of glyphosate underscores an urgent call for heightened awareness and stringent regulation of toxic substances in our surroundings. The evidence is compelling, and action is imperative to safeguard public health and the environment from the harmful effects of such chemicals. However, this is just one among the thousands to hundreds of thousands of chemicals we encounter that disrupt the functioning of our biology...

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?

Start To reduce toxins in your home for a healthy :environment

  • Switch to natural cleaning products or make your own using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

  • Invest in air purifiers or indoor plants known for their air-purifying properties to improve indoor air quality.

    You Can Find Some great Options Here!

  • Minimize plastic use by opting for glass or stainless steel containers for food storage and avoiding products with unnecessary plastic packaging.

    Be cautious of colored glassware, particularly when thrifting, as it may contain heavy metals.

    Colored glassware may contain heavy metals like lead or cadmium, which can leach into food or beverages, especially acidic ones. When purchasing colored glassware, especially secondhand or thrifted items, it's essential to be cautious and ensure they are food-safe.

  • Install a water filtration system to remove contaminants from tap water or use a filter pitcher.

    You can find a great countertop Reverse Osmosis system HERE!

  • Choose furniture and flooring made from natural materials to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals found in conventional products.

    Be weary of clothes and furniture containing flame retardants.

  • Use non-toxic methods for pest control, such as sealing entry points and using essential oils or diatomaceous earth.

    HERE are two natural tick/insect repellents for use on human and pets:

    Tougher Than Tom: Tick Eliminator Spray

    TICK BAN® All-Natural Tick Repellent

  • Opt for organic bedding made from natural fibers to reduce exposure to pesticides and flame retardants.

    100% Organic Cotton or Bamboo based sheets are ideal.

  • Avoid products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as paints, varnishes, and air fresheners, or choose low-VOC alternatives.

    If you are exposed to these substances during work, such as if you're a home painter, ensure you have the appropriate equipment to protect yourself. Additionally, follow seasonal detox protocols to remove any accumulated toxins from your body.

  • Minimize exposure to electromagnetic radiation by keeping electronic devices away from sleeping areas and using wired connections instead of Wi-Fi whenever possible.

Now that you've intentionally cleaned up your home, what's the next step?

How to choose a

detox Program

Here's How To Choose A Detox Wisely:

  • Be cautious of excessively restrictive detoxes like juice cleanses and bone broth fasts, as they often lack the necessary nutrients for effective detoxification.

  • Avoid detox programs promising rapid results in a short period. While a weekend detox can offer support, it's unrealistic to eliminate years of stored toxins within 48 hours. Detoxes claiming rapid weight loss may lead to water weight loss, rather than fat loss.

  • Select a program with scientifically backed detox nutrients that address all three detox phases. Supporting each phase with the right nutrients is crucial for successful detoxification. Look for detox programs offering well-researched nutrients like alpha-lipoic acid, milk thistle, and activated charcoal in their products.

The market is saturated with detox options that promise quick fixes and rapid results. However, these fad detoxes often fall short of their promises, leaving you feeling deprived, fatigued, and questioning their effectiveness.

Quicksilver Scientific PushCatch™ LiverDetox

Example featuring Quicksilver Scientific’s PushCatch™ LiverDetox

Different Methods,

Same Objective:

  • The term "drainage" has been historically employed by European Biomedical systems to depict a method involving herbal extracts and/or homeopathics. This process aims to gently enhance lymphatic, bile, and urinary flow, facilitating the removal of circulating toxins and revitalizing organs of elimination that may be "stuck" or "blocked."

    These gentle detoxification methods aid in clearing toxins already in circulation without triggering the movement of stored toxins from cells and tissues.

  • Embrace a personalized approach to detoxification based on functional medicine principles, targeting specific imbalances in the body's systems through dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments.

    This may involve assessing and supporting the body's natural detox pathways, reducing exposure to toxins, and promoting overall well-being.

    The goal is to optimize the body's ability to eliminate harmful substances and restore balance for improved health.

  • Liver detox refers to the process of supporting and enhancing the natural detoxification functions of the liver. The liver is a vital organ responsible for filtering and processing toxins and waste products from the blood, metabolizing medications and hormones, and producing bile for digestion.

    Liver detoxification involves two main phases—

    Phase I and Phase II. In Phase I, the liver breaks down toxins into intermediate metabolites, and in Phase II, these metabolites are further processed to make them water-soluble and easily excreted from the body.

    Supporting liver detox may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and the use of specific supplements or herbs that promote optimal liver function. The goal is to assist the liver in efficiently processing and eliminating toxins, ultimately contributing to overall health and well-being.

    It's important to note that liver detoxification is a natural and ongoing process, and various approaches, such as nutritional support, hydration, and avoiding exposure to harmful substances, can help maintain the liver's ability to detoxify the body.

    Before embarking on any detox program or taking supplements, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safety and appropriateness for individual health conditions.

  • Cellular detoxification refers to the process by which individual cells eliminate or neutralize harmful substances and waste products, ensuring the proper functioning and health of the cell. This intricate process involves various cellular mechanisms and organelles working together to identify, process, and eliminate toxins.

    CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

  • Panchakarma, meaning 'five detox processes' in Sanskrit, is a transformative Ayurvedic therapy practiced over millennia.

    It is a comprehensive and systematic approach to cleansing and rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit. Panchakarma aims to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), remove accumulated toxins (ama), and restore the body's natural state of health and well-being. The word "Panchakarma" itself translates to "five actions," referring to the five therapeutic procedures involved in the protocol.

    The five primary actions of Panchakarma are:

    • Vamana (Emesis): Vamana involves therapeutic vomiting to eliminate excess Kapha dosha from the upper respiratory and digestive tract. This process helps clear congestion, reduce mucous accumulation, and balance Kapha-related disorders.

    • Virechana (Purgation): Virechana focuses on cleansing the digestive tract and eliminating excess Pitta dosha. It involves the use of herbal purgatives to induce controlled bowel movements, removing accumulated toxins and Pitta-related imbalances.

    • Basti (Enema): Basti is a series of therapeutic enemas using herbal decoctions, oils, and other substances. It helps balance Vata dosha and is effective in removing accumulated toxins from the colon, promoting detoxification and rejuvenation.

    • Nasya (Nasal Administration): Nasya involves the administration of herbal oils or powders into the nasal passages. It helps balance and cleanse the upper respiratory and sinus areas, addressing imbalances related to Vata and Kapha doshas.

    • Rakta Mokshana (Bloodletting): Though less commonly practiced today, Rakta Mokshana involves the therapeutic removal of a small amount of blood. It aims to purify the blood and balance Pitta dosha. Other methods like leech therapy or cupping may be used as alternatives.

    Panchakarma is typically performed in a controlled and supervised environment under the guidance of trained Ayurvedic practitioners. The choice of procedures is tailored to an individual's constitution, imbalances, and health goals. The protocol is often preceded by preparatory measures (Purvakarma) and followed by post-detoxification care (Paschatkarma) to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Fasting can positively impact detoxification and enhance autophagy and mitophagy, which are cellular processes involved in the removal of damaged cellular components, including toxins.

    Here's how fasting contributes to these mechanisms:

    • Autophagy and Cellular Cleanup: Autophagy is a cellular process that involves the removal of damaged or dysfunctional cellular components. During fasting, when nutrient availability is reduced, the body may upregulate autophagy to break down and recycle cellular components, eliminating accumulated waste.

    • Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Health: Mitophagy specifically targets damaged mitochondria for degradation. Fasting may stimulate mitophagy, helping to remove dysfunctional mitochondria and maintain overall mitochondrial health. Healthy mitochondria are essential for energy production and cellular function.

    • Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Fasting may reduce oxidative stress by limiting the intake of exogenous toxins and allowing the body to focus on cellular repair. Oxidative stress is a key factor in cellular damage, and by reducing it, fasting supports detoxification processes.

    • Increased Antioxidant Defense: Fasting has been associated with increased production of endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione. Enhanced antioxidant defense helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by toxins and free radicals.

    • Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of metabolic dysfunction. Improved insulin sensitivity supports cellular health and may contribute to more efficient detoxification processes.

    • Activation of Cellular Repair Pathways: Fasting activates various cellular repair pathways, including DNA repair mechanisms. This contributes to overall cellular health and may assist in the removal of toxins that can damage DNA.

    • Enhanced Cellular Stress Resistance: Fasting induces mild cellular stress, known as hormesis, which can enhance the cell's ability to resist more severe stressors. This adaptive response may improve the cell's resilience to toxins.

    It's important to note that while fasting can offer potential benefits for detoxification and cellular health, individual responses may vary. Additionally, the duration and type of fasting, as well as an individual's overall health, should be considered.

FAQs

These questions revolve around the importance, methods, potential benefits, and considerations related to liver detoxification. It's essential for individuals to seek personalized advice from healthcare professionals based on their unique health circumstances.

  • Liver detoxification is vital for eliminating toxins, supporting metabolism, boosting the immune system, preventing chronic diseases, and maintaining overall health.

  • Toxins can overwhelm the liver's detoxification capacity, leading to toxin accumulation. This can impair liver function, hinder metabolism, and contribute to various health issues.

  • Signs may include fatigue, digestive issues, skin problems, allergies, and hormonal imbalances. However, these symptoms can also indicate other health issues, so consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

  • Foods like cruciferous vegetables, garlic, turmeric, beets, and leafy greens support liver detoxification. Staying hydrated with mineral rich, non-plastic container water and consuming antioxidant-rich foods is also beneficial.

  • Supplements such as milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and turmeric may support liver health. However, individual needs vary, and consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for your unique case.

  • The frequency of liver detox depends on individual health and lifestyle factors. Detox duration varies based on factors such as diet, alcohol intake, and environmental exposure. Individual habits play a crucial role, with those regularly detoxing and minimizing toxin exposure having different needs than those with prolonged exposure to unhealthy habits. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine an appropriate schedule.

  • Yes, liver detox can be done at home through dietary changes, hydration, supplement protocols and lifestyle adjustments. However, working with a practitioner or coach is advisable to prevent adverse effects.

  • Side effects can include fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. With a proper detoxification, and with the help of an experienced practitioner or coach, side effects can be very minimal. Severe side effects are rare but should be addressed promptly.

  • Excessive alcohol consumption can overwhelm the liver, hindering its detoxification abilities and leading to liver damage. In a toxin-laden world, with toxins in our water, soil, food and air, combining alcohol with environmental pollutants can expedite liver damage compared to alcohol alone.

  • Individuals with certain health conditions or taking specific medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting a liver detox.

  • Liver detox may support weight loss indirectly by optimizing metabolism.

    Obesogens, which are chemicals that can disrupt normal metabolism and contribute to weight gain, can accumulate in fat tissue. Toxins, including obesogens, are stored in fat cells as the body attempts to protect itself by isolating harmful substances.

    As a result, the presence of obesogens in fat cells may interfere with normal metabolic functions, potentially leading to weight gain or difficulties in losing weight.

    Detoxification is part of the weight loss process, but a holistic approach to weight management is recommended.

  • Maintaining an organic (not chemically sprayed) diet, staying hydrated with clean water, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress, and avoiding excessive exposure to toxins support overall liver health.

  • The timeline varies, but positive effects may be noticed within weeks to months. Consistency with healthy habits is key. Following seasonal detoxes is recommended, with a minimal timeline of one week with every protocol.

  • Individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safe and appropriate liver detox protocols.

Sources

Studies that discuss how toxicity can lead to disease:

1. Kalitsky-Szirtes et al. (2004): [Suppression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and efflux transporters in the intestine of endotoxin-treated rats](https://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/32/1/20.long)

2. Nadarajah et al. (1996): [Localized cellular inflammatory responses to subcutaneously implanted dental mercury](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/009841096161360)

3. Kwak et al. (2004): [Chemoprevention through the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway by phase 2 enzyme inducers](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1383571804000046)

4. Grandjean P, Landrigan PJ. Developmental neurotoxicity of industrial chemicals. Lancet. 2006 Dec 16;368(9553):2167-78. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69665-7. PMID: 17174709. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17174709/)

5. Carpenter DO, Arcaro KF, Bushkin-Bedient S, et al. The environmental health sciences center: a virtual center for supporting interdisciplinary study of environmental health issues. Environ Health Perspect. 2015;123(11):A266-A272. doi:10.1289/ehp.1409339. PMID: 26091272; PMCID: PMC4629715. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26091272/)

6. Boekelheide K, Andersen ME. A mechanistic redefinition of adverse effects - a key step in the toxicity testing paradigm shift. ALTEX. 2010;27(4):243-52. doi: 10.14573/altex.2010.4.243. PMID: 20964298; PMCID: PMC2922833. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20964298/)

7. Bellinger DC. Lead neurotoxicity and socioeconomic status: conceptual and analytical issues. Neurotoxicology. 2008 Jan;29(5):828-32. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2008.04.006. Epub 2008 Apr 22. PMID: 18495109; PMCID: PMC2483577. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18495109/)

8. Landrigan PJ. Children's health and the environment: public health issues and challenges for risk assessment. Environ Health Perspect. 2006 Feb;114(2):160-3. doi: 10.1289/ehp.8497. PMID: 16451853; PMCID: PMC1367820 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16451853/)

These sources provide valuable insights into the relationship between toxicity and disease, covering various aspects such as developmental neurotoxicity, environmental health issues, mechanistic understanding of adverse effects, socioeconomic factors, and public health challenges.

Here are some additional sources that provide insights into the impact of endotoxins, heavy metals such as mercury, and mycotoxins from mold exposure on health outcomes, including neurotoxicity, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and cognitive impairments.:

1. Vojdani A, Foroozesh M, Wang B. Heat shock protein and gliadin peptide promote development of peptidase antibodies in children with autism and patients with autoimmune disease. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol. 2004 Nov;11(6):995-1006. doi: 10.1128/cdli.11.6.995-1006.2004. PMID: 15539538; PMCID: PMC524986. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15539538/)

2. Bergdahl IA, Grubb A, Schütz A, Desnick RJ, Wetmur JG, Sassa S, Skerfving S. Lead binding to delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in human erythrocytes. Pharmacol Toxicol. 1997 Feb;80(2):98-103. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0773.1997.tb00361.x. PMID: 9082566. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9082566/)

3. Bell IR, Baldwin CM, Schwartz GE. Illness from low levels of environmental chemicals: relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Am J Med. 1998 Sep 28;105(3A):74S-82S. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9343(98)00157-3. PMID: 9790476. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9790476/)

4. Ritchie GD, Still KR, Alexander WK, Nordholm AF, Wilson CL, Rossi J 3rd, Mattie DR. A review of the neurotoxicity risk of selected hydrocarbon fuels. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2001 Oct-Dec;4(4):223-312. doi: 10.1080/109374001317615834. PMID: 11775128. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11775128/)

5. Bushnell PJ, Bowman RE. The effects of chronic low-level lead exposure on maze learning in rats. Neurotoxicology. 1978;1(2):343-52. PMID: 746101. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/746101/)

These sources provide insights into the impact of endotoxins, heavy metals such as mercury, and mycotoxins from mold exposure on health outcomes, including neurotoxicity, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and cognitive impairments.

These sources provide insights into the potential associations between glyphosate and other pesticides with cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other types of cancer.:

1. Zhang L, Rana I, Shaffer RM, Taioli E, Sheppard L. Exposure to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Risk for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis and Supporting Evidence. Mutat Res. 2019;781:186-206. doi:10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.02.001. PMID: 31082644. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082644/)

2. Andreotti G, Koutros S, Hofmann JN, et al. Glyphosate Use and Cancer Incidence in the Agricultural Health Study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2018;110(5):509-516. doi:10.1093/jnci/djx233. PMID: 29136183; PMCID: PMC6013785. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29136183/)

3. Zhang L, Freeman LE, Riall D, et al. Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis. Epidemiology. 2019;30(3):359-366. doi:10.1097/EDE.0000000000000986. PMID: 30694834; PMCID: PMC6475897. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30694834/)

4. Schinasi L, Leon ME. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and occupational exposure to agricultural pesticide chemical groups and active ingredients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2014;11(4):4449-527. doi:10.3390/ijerph110404449. PMID: 24762670; PMCID: PMC4025008. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24762670/)

5. Mills PJ, Kania-Korwel I, Fagan J, et al. Elevated plasma pesticide levels and risk for Alzheimer disease. JAMA Neurol. 2019;76(11):1374-1381. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.1505. PMID: 31380959; PMCID: PMC6689052. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31380959/)