Detox and Immunity

Why you should care about toxins and what you can do about it.

I will never forget a day in Public Health lecture during naturopathic medical school– the professor asked: “Who knows the ingredients in gasoline?” We gave him a few guesses, and then found out that gasoline contains more than 150 chemicals including small amounts of benzene, toluene, xylene, and sometimes even lead (these are all carcinogens).   I remember his remarks to this day:  “And we walk into the living room with the same shoes we tromped around the gas station with, and without a second thought we put our most precious children on that same carpet to play."

Oye.  If that didn’t jolt me into learning more about the toxins in our world and how to keep our loved ones safe, I wouldn’t be the expert I am today.  And I am still learning, because there are new compounds and chemicals being thought up and used every day, many times without our notice or consent. 

Have you ever dared to turn and read the labels on any of these items:

• Your favorite stain remover or household cleaner?
• Your makeup, foundation or eye shadow?
• Your shampoo and conditioner?
• Your food?

We are being exposed to more toxic chemicals then we even know.  And its not just in industry, its in our home items like carpets, furniture and cleaners; its in our clothes and personal care items; its in our food and water.  So what is a family to do?  I suggest we take action.  I suggest we limit exposure to these toxins and spread awareness so that others are inspired to do the same.  I believe that if we act now, we can benefit not only our own lives, but also lessen the burden passed on to our children, and their children. 

Did you know that a mother loses 50% of her toxin burden to her first-born child?  In a small study by the Environmental Working Group in 2004 researchers found 287 chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of 10 babies. Yes, a small study, but still: yikes. The article goes on to say:

“Of the 287 chemicals we detected in umbilical cord blood, we know that 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests. The dangers of pre- or post-natal exposure to this complex mixture of carcinogens, developmental toxins and neurotoxins have never been studied.”

You can check out this article for yourself here.

This is why you should care.  Items in the cleaning section, automotive section, paint section we know to be careful with, mostly.   But what about the plastic food wrap, that new carpet, the baby clothes (some are treated with flame retardants!)  – who knew to worry about those? 

We live in a world full of chemicals that are hard to pronounce.  But we also live in bodies that are innately designed to effectively eliminate those toxins.    Naturopathic medicine is based on the premise that we humans are resilient and capable of getting rid of these toxins.  Naturopathic doctors have become experts at assessing and optimizing your ability to eliminate toxins.   Detoxifying your home and your body can be a huge, overwhelming task.  I am here to help you navigate and find hope for a cleaner environment, and a healthier you.