Toxins and Toxicity
Written by Wendy Richards.
What is a toxin?
A toxin is defined as any compound that can harm the structure or function of body cells and tissues. Toxicity occurs when we take in more or produce more toxins than the body can eliminate. Even with a healthy diet and only moderate intakes of substances such as caffeine and alcohol, our bodies are exposed to a cocktail of toxins on a daily basis.
More than 2 million synthetic substances have been identified as toxic to the human body and up to 25,000 new toxins are added to that list each year. Everyday 700,000 tonnes of chemicals and toxins are released into our environment.
How can toxins affect us?
Toxins can slowly accumulate in the body over time and overload our internal detoxification systems. They can enter the body through the skin, lungs or can be ingested with food and drinks. Our body also produces toxins as part of normal metabolic processes.
Toxins cause damage to our cellular DNA and long term exposure can result in metabolic and genetic alternations. This can affect cell growth, behavior, hormonal balance and immune response and often results in increased sensitivities, allergies and other health problems.
One of the body’s defence mechanism’s when faced with toxicity is to store the harmful chemicals in your fat tissue. This means that these poisons can be stored for many years in our body, becoming an ongoing source of ill health.
Types of toxins
There are 2 categories of toxins:
1.Exogenous (environmental toxins)
2.Endogenous (Internal toxins made by your body).
Exogenous (environmental) toxins include:
• Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides (Organochlorines) - these are widely used in agriculture. Studies suggest that pesticides may be related to various diseases, including cancers and neurological, mental and reproductive disorders.
• Bisphenol A (BPA) (an intermediate in plastic & resin manufacture) – it is used extensively in epoxy resins lining food and drink containers and as a monomer in polycarbonate plastics in many consumer products. High urinary concentrations have been associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities.
• Phthalates esters (plasticisers) – these are the synthetic chemicals in which we are most highly exposed to. They can leach out of plastics, carpets and fabrics into the air, rainwater and food. They are present in creams and perfumes and can also emanate from exhaust, cigarette and combustion fumes.
• Heavy metals – such as lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminium and arsenic. These metals are very toxic at small quantities and tend to slowly accumulate in the body, especially the brain and kidneys. It is this gradual accumulation that can lead to chronic diseases. Heavy metals are consumed in some our favourite fish such as tuna, flake, oysters and mussels. We can also be exposed to heavy metals through dentistry and medicine. Cadmium exposure can occur through cigarette smoke (amongst many carcinogenic or “cancer causing” toxins!) and aluminium from antacids, canned foods and aluminium cookware. Arsenic can be found in treated wood and possible exposure may occur in children’s playgrounds and home gardens. Heavy metal toxicity has been linked to several diseases including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and severe neurological disorders.
• Hormones, antibiotics and chemicals in meat – often fed to animals to induce growth, prevent/treat illness, prevent parasites, etc. Preservatives are also often added to meat to make it look red and fresher
• Water - our tap water contains an array of chemicals such as chlorine, as well as pesticides and herbicides from water run off’s from agricultural farms.
• Cosmetics – a large majority of cosmetics are full of chemicals and petrochemicals. Unfortunately these skin products do not just stay on the skin, they are absorbed via the epithelium of the skin, through the next layer the dermis, through the fatty layer and into our blood stream.
• Pharmaceutical medications – even common medications put an increased load on the liver and decrease the body’s ability to detoxify such as the oral contraceptive pill, blood pressure medicines and Panadol.
• Air pollution – from traffic and industry
• Preservatives, colourings and additives – if the ingredient listing looks like a science project or you don’t understand a number or ingredient, it is probably best not to buy or eat it!
• Caffeine – present in coffee, tea, “energy drinks” like red bull and “V” and coke.
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners
• Cigarettes and recreational drugs
• Household cleaners
Endotoxins or “internal” toxins are part of our normal body processes. Examples of endotoxins are:
• Infection – as part of the disease fighting process, by-products are produced, which need to be cleared from the body.
• Metabolism and digestive by-products – The body, during its normal functioning, forms by-products of metabolism (just like when a car burns fuel it creates toxic fumes), which need to be cleared from the body.
• Reproductive hormones – Our reproductive hormones such as progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone are in special need for break down and detoxification. If these hormones are not broken down adequately and detoxified from the body, hormonal problems such as infertility, period pain, endometriosis, etc may develop. Also, if oestrogen is not broken down properly it can lead to weight gain, especially around the bottom.
• Stress hormones – hormones produced by our adrenal glands, such as cortisol, can increase significantly during periods of stress. This can have detrimental effects on our health, in particular on our nervous and cardiovascular systems.
What affect do toxins have on the body?
Toxins will:
• Pre-dispose us to cancer and disease by causing DNA damage
• Accelerate the aging process by causing oxidative damage
• Mimic hormones, resulting in hormonal imbalances contributing to reproductive & thyroid disorders
• Affect our neurotransmitters and therefore mood, memory, concentration, sleep and ability to cope with stress
• Block essential nutrient absorption causing nutritional deficiencies
• Interfere with enzyme reactions in the body
• Affect general health, wellbeing and vitality
Symptoms and Signs of Toxicity
• Lethargy and low energy
• Recurrent headaches
• Skin problems such as dryness, psoriasis, eczema or acne
• Hormonal problems (including PMS and Infertility)
• Abnormal body odour, coated tongue or bad breath
• Adverse reactions/sensitivity to chemicals and odours
• Difficulty losing weight
• Frequent allergies and infections
• Poor memory/concentration
• Digestive problems/constipation
• Muscle aching and weakness
• Generally feeling unwell
Wendy Richards is a highly skilled and experienced Naturopath, Live Blood Analysis practitioner and Bowen Therapist. Wendy is a specialist in detoxification, digestive disorders, immune disorders (including auto-immune conditions), skin conditions, insomnia and pre-conception care.
Wendy can help you safely remove stored toxins from your body and improve its ability to detoxify by restoring bowel, kidney and liver function. For enquiries or bookings please phone (03) 9682 8866.
