What You Don’t Know About Detox Might Be Killing You
It even pains me to write on this topic. Every time I do a post, I do a lit review first. A ‘literature review’ is fancy pants speak for ‘do some updated research, you lazy bum’. Why? I just read about this last year. Well, it probably comes as no shock that year over year, things aren’t getting better in the ‘poisons you’re allowed to try to kill Americans with’ category. That seems to be an ever-expanding list of words containing both letters and numbers that just gets longer and more impossible to pronounce – if you could pronounce any of them in the first place.
Exhibit A:
“trans-1,4-bis[(4-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzene)(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)”
Yep. That’s an actual chemical. Not some shit I made up.
It would be laughable if it wasn’t just plain disgusting. From cradle to grave, home to work, indoor to out, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we Americans are being poisoned. Pesticides, plastics, heavy metals, VOCs, EMFs, “food”, PFAS’s, industrial waste, xenoestrogens, um – “air”? I am sure there’s nothing to see here…
#WhatThe....
You get my point. You can buy organic, drink filtered water out of stainless, clean your floors with distilled vinegar, but let me tell you something: Your neighbor is still spraying his dandelions with Round Up. Americans are exposed to a mind-numbing list of environmental toxicities on the daily, which originate from endless sources and significantly impact health. Common culprits include pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture, chemicals found in food additives, personal care and cleaning products, as well as contaminants in drinking water and medications. Medications ALONE can be toxic, and yet they add chemicals to those too. You know – so you don’t mix up the green pill with the blue one. Good thing Americans aren’t taking much in the way of prescriptions. Well, maybe they are.
Fun facts on Skittles – I mean medications:
70% of Americans are on at least one prescription drug.
65% of women aged 15-49 take birth control pills.
25% of US patients are on 5 or more drugs a day – none of which have been studied for use together, by the way.
Given those numbers, you might find it interesting to know that FDA approved drugs are the third leading cause of death in the US – right up there next to heart disease and cancer. Good thing we’re all taking them religiously.
Cancer is up, fertility is down, Autism is on the rise, testosterone in men on the decline. Almost 20 years ago, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) evaluated the umbilical cords of newborns and found 287 different chemicals in umbilical cord blood – 180 of which cause cancer. I mean, seriously people. What is going on here?
“…sperm counts fell on average by 1.2% per year between 1973 to 2018, from 104 to 49 million/ml. From the year 2000, this rate of decline accelerated to more than 2.6% per year.”
Sources & Health Impacts
These endocrine disrupting, brain destroying, cancer causing chemicals are basically everywhere. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it highlights some of the biggies.
Pesticides and Herbicides: Commonly used in agriculture, these chemicals can contaminate food and water supplies. Workers handling these substances, such as farmworkers, are particularly at risk, showing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, neurologic symptoms, and respiratory problems. Chronic exposure has been linked with increased cancer risks and neurological disorders. You should absolutely plant a garden! But for the love of God, don’t fertilize it with that blue poison. You know which one.
Industrial Chemicals in Consumer Goods: Chemicals like ethylene oxide, used in consumer goods manufacturing, and perchloroethylene, used in dry cleaning, are examples of industrial chemicals that can leach into the environment, affecting air, water, and food quality. These have been associated with various cancers and reproductive issues.
"Your newly pressed shirt is very professional, Mr. Jones, but if you keep sending it to the dry cleaner, you’ll be wearing it in your casket."
Heavy Metals: Substances like arsenic and cadmium, found naturally and from industrial sources, are prevalent in certain water supplies and foods, especially rice and some fish. The bigger and more predatory the fish, the higher the mercury content. Long-term exposure can lead to severe health problems, including cancer and organ damage. If you are still drinking tap water – STOP IT.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Contamination: The ‘forever chemicals’. PFAS, found in products ranging from non-stick pans to waterproof clothing, are persistent environmental pollutants that accumulate in the human body and environment. Exposure, particularly through contaminated water, has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system impairments – and we CAN’T GET THEM OUT.
“In 1946, DuPont introduced Teflon to the world, changing millions of people’s lives – and polluting their bodies. Today, the family of compounds including Teflon, commonly called PFAS, is found not only in pots and pans but also in the blood of people around the world, including 99 percent of Americans. PFAS chemicals pollute water, do not break down, and remain in the environment and people for decades."
Scientists call them “forever chemicals." -EWG.org
Food Additives: Chemicals in food, such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives, have raised concerns over their potential effects on human health, including cancer and metabolic issues. Public awareness and regulation remain ‘inadequate’ to remove said chemicals from our foods, despite growing consumer concerns.
A good general rule on food: If the label contains
ingredients you can’t pronounce, don’t eat it.
Environmental Estrogens (Xenoestrogens): Sources and Dangers
Environmental estrogens, also known as xenoestrogens, are a subgroup of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that mimic or interfere with the body's hormones, particularly estrogen. They’re not estrogen, they just pretend to be. And they’re pretty good at it. These chemicals are prevalent in numerous everyday products and can have significant, adverse effects on human health and even wildlife.
Atrazine exposure has been shown to turn boy frogs into girl frogs. No lie.
Boy frogs + Atrazine = Girl frogs.
Can’t make this up people.
Dangers of Xenoestrogens
Xenoestrogens or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) pose extra special health risks due to their ability to mimic estrogen. Their interference with the endocrine system can lead to the following nightmares:
"In utero exposure to EDC are associated with a decrease in anogenital distance (AGE), testosterone, sperm production,
and phallus length.”
Eisenberg, et al, 2011
Developmental Problems
Delayed child development
Fetal growth
Early reproductive tract development
Pubertal development
Neurodevelopment
Obesity
Increased Cancer Risk: There is evidence linking xenoestrogen exposure to an increased risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
Obesity and Metabolic Issues: There is evidence linking EDC exposure to an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome in adults and children.
Wildlife Effects: There is evidence linking EDC exposure to alterations in the differentiation, growth, and function of wildlife reproductive organs.
Sources of Xenoestrogens – Hang in there. There’s lots.
Phytoestrogens - the “Plant Estrogens” soy, flax, lavender, cannabis Plant estrogens are ESTROGEN. Phytoestrogens have the potential for disrupting endocrine function. Phytoestrogen supplements may affect fertility, menstrual cycles, endogenous hormone production, and increase cancer risk and risk of cancer progression. They have potential interactions with at least 69 different prescription medications, can cause allergic reactions, abdominal pain, heart palpitations, headaches, and other cognitive deficits.
Mycoestrogens - the “Fungus Estrogens” fungal contaminates in foods Phytoestrogens are fake estrogens made by plants, mycoestrogens are fake estrogens made by fungi. Unlike the various plant estrogens, zearalenone (ZEA) is the only known mycoestrogen. There’s only one – this makes life easier. ZEA is pervasive but plenty of clear and informative research has been done. 16 countries worldwide have ZEA limits. Is the US one of them? Nope.
“It's been proposed that zearalenone could be used as hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women. Because it's associated with breast enlargement in people, zearalenone is in many breast-enhancing dietary supplements.”
-BreastCancer.org, July 2022
Atrazine - the “Herbicide Estrogen” Atrazine is the most common herbicide. It has been banned or is being phased out in more than 35 countries but is the second-most commonly used herbicide in the United States. “Atrazine is a potent endocrine disruptor that both chemically castrates and feminizes male amphibians.”
Triclosan (TCS) & Alkylphenols (APEs ) - the “Soap Estrogens” In September 2016, TCS was banned from soap products following a risk assessment completed by the U.S.A. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, TCS still remains, at high concentrations, in other personal care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and surgical soaps.
Hey, why get rid of it entirely?
Benzophenone (BP) & 4-Methylbenzylidine Camphor (4-MPC) - the “Sunscreen Estrogens” Benzophenone is used in various consumer products including cosmetics, food packaging, and personal care products – including the sunscreen you slather all over your kids. It has been identified as a potential health hazard with various studies and regulatory bodies highlighting its risks. Benzophenone has been placed on California's Proposition 65 list due to evidence suggesting it may cause cancer. Exposure to benzophenone can disrupt endocrine functions and has been associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity. It has shown adverse effects on reproductive organs in aquatic species, and similar concerns exist regarding its impact on human health. 4-MBC has been reported to exhibit similar estrogenic activity, raising concerns about its effects on hormone function. Due to its potential risks, the use of 4-MBC in cosmetics, particularly in sunscreens, has been restricted in some regions like the European Union. Not so much here.
Red Dyes #3 & #40 - the “Artificial Food Color Estrogens” Red dye is a synthetic color additive made from petroleum. You know – the same stuff you fuel your car with. Red dye 3 and 40 cause cancer in animals. They are also highly linked to ADHD, hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmune disease, brain fog, and inflammatory bowel disease. Red dyes are in breakfast cereals, soft drinks, ice cream, condiments, chips, and snacks.
If it’s red and comes out of a package, beware.
Parabens - the “Fragrance Estrogens” Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, personal care products, and foods to prevent the growth of microbes and extend shelf life. They are often hidden under the word “fragrance”. Commonly used parabens include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben. They generally end with the not-so-sneaky word, ‘paraben’. Despite their widespread use, there are concerns about their safety, particularly regarding their potential effects on hormone function and links to health issues including hormone/endocrine disruption, cancer risk, skin irritation, and allergies.
Phthalates - the “Plastic Additive Estrogens” Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as ‘plasticizers’ in a wide array of consumer products, including plastics, cosmetics, and personal care products. They make plastic more, ‘plasticky’ or ‘durable’ as they say in industry terms. They too have raised significant health concerns due to their potential effects on human health again including endocrine disruption, developmental and neurobehavioral issues, reproductive concerns.
Bisphenol A & S - the “Plastic Ingredient Estrogens” Ah, the ‘Legacy Pollutant’. Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) are synthetic chemicals commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics and resins, found in products like food containers, water bottles, and ‘thermal’ or receipt paper. (I never touch a receipt with my bare hands. Or a hand grenade.) Both chemicals have raised significant health concerns due to their potential to act as endocrine disruptors. When they take out the “BPA”, they just throw some BPS or some other BS in instead. Stay AWAY from plastic. Period.
“Bisphenols (Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol B (BPB), Bisphenol C (BPC), Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF) and Bisphenol AF (BPAF))
are phenolic organic compounds.”
17a-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) - the “Birth Control Estrogen” 17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic form of estrogen widely used in birth control pills and other hormone therapies. While it is effective in these roles, there are several health concerns associated with its use. Want me to run through them again? Endocrine disruption, cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and pharmaceutical waste run off.
Yep – you heard me. Pharmaceutical waste run off. It’s called ‘recharging of reclaimed water’. They can only scrub the ground water so well before it ends up back in your tap. Got lots of neighbor ladies on the pill? Look out.
The Benefits of Urine Testing for Detecting Toxicities:
Mold, Metals, and Environmental Toxins
If you live here in the US, exposure to various toxins is inevitable. Consequently, monitoring these exposures is important, and urine testing has emerged as a vital tool in this regard. There are certainly benefits to other forms of testing (blood being the most common alternative), but peeing in a cup is the best one-stop-shop in my opinion.
Non-Invasive & Convenient Urine testing is a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Who doesn’t love this feature? Unlike blood tests, which require drinking a ton of water, coming into the office, and subjecting yourself to my vampires, urine tests can be performed by you at home. This is far less stressful and makes them more accessible to people. The convenience of urine collection encourages more frequent testing, which can be critical for monitoring the effectiveness of detoxification therapies.
Comprehensive Exposure Assessment Urine tests can detect a wide range of substances, making them an excellent choice for assessing exposure to various environmental toxins. They can identify everything from heavy metals like lead and mercury to organic compounds like mycotoxins from mold exposure. This comprehensive capability allows us as healthcare providers to tailor individual treatment plans based on specific toxic exposures.
Early Detection of Potential Health Issues Early detection is one of the most significant advantages of urine testing for toxins. Many toxic substances, such as cadmium and bisphenol A (BPA), can accumulate in the body and cause health problems over time. Regular urine testing can detect these substances at low levels before they lead to more severe health issues.
Monitoring Detoxification For patients undergoing treatment for heavy metal poisoning or reducing their body burden of other toxins, urine testing can be extremely helpful. It provides clear, quantifiable data on how effectively the body is eliminating these substances. This information helps to guide detoxification protocols to maximize efficacy.
There are several companies that do this kind of testing – some do use blood or hair sampling, but urine is my preference. Critics of toxicity testing will cite problems with result interpretation. There are individual differences in ability to detox (i.e. some results look ‘good’ not because patients aren’t toxic, but because they simply cannot clear toxins effectively due to genetic variability or high toxin load). There can be confounders of results as well. For example, mold toxicity testing is particularly sensitive to mold in the diet. You’d be amazed at how much mold contamination is in commonly consumed foods such as grains, nuts, and coffee. That doesn’t mean, however, that high levels of mycotoxins detected on urine testing aren’t having a negative health impact on that patient. All test results need to be viewed through a professional healthcare providers’ lens, but I’m always a proponent of ‘You can’t know if you don’t test’.
Regardless of route, testing for mold, metals, and environmental toxins offers numerous benefits, from its non-invasive nature to its ability to provide comprehensive and early detection of toxic substances. By integrating toxicity testing into regular health checks, individuals and healthcare providers can significantly enhance their ability to manage and mitigate the risks associated with environmental exposures. This proactive approach supports not only individual health but also broader public health goals.
Intravenous Nutrition Therapy as a Detoxification Tool
Intravenous nutrition therapy, which involves the direct infusion of vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream, is an aggressive method to enhance detoxification processes. This therapy can aid in managing the burden of these toxins by multiple mechanisms including the following:
Boosting the immune system: Essential nutrients, like Vitamin C and B vitamins, administered intravenously can support the immune system, which is crucial for combating the oxidative stress caused by toxins.
Supporting liver function: The liver plays a vital role in detoxifying harmful substances. Nutrients like glutathione, often included in IV nutrition therapies, are known for their liver-supportive detoxification properties.
Enhancing metabolic processes: Adequate levels of nutrients are necessary for the proper function of metabolic pathways that detoxify the body’s load of chemicals and heavy metals.
Conclusion
Our daily exposure to environmental toxicities is a significant concern – a concern for all Americans.
We’re getting hit from all angles. Literally every industrial, agricultural, and domestic industry carries unnecessary toxicity risk. These exposures are linked to serious health ramifications - cancer, reproductive issues, chronic disease. The health and well-being of our children and future generations relies more on the strength of our collective spirit than the size of our retirement accounts. Pay attention to what you are putting on and into your body. Test yourself to learn your personal toxin burden. Know that you have avenues for elimination and detoxification. Intravenous nutrition therapy may offer supportive benefits in enhancing your body's ability to eliminate these substances. Together we can push back and make this beautiful planet safer for everyone of us here now, and all of those amazing souls that will follow.
Citations
Bad Man’s World:) 🎵 🎵 🎵
How pollution is causing a male fertility crisis, 27 March 2023
The Relationship Between Anogenital Distance and Reproductive Hormone Levels in Adult Men
Testosterone levels show steady decrease among young US men
Body Burden: The Pollution in Newborns
Health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on wildlife, with special reference to the European situation
Bisphenols as a Legacy Pollutant, and Their Effects on Organ Vulnerability
Exposure to Environmental Endocrine Disruptors and Child Development
Endocrine-disrupting Pesticide Atrazine to Be Banned in Hawaii, Five U.S. Territories, Prohibited on Conifers, Roadsides
Toxicology of food dyes
Brain Health Guide To Red Dye #40
Phytoestrogens
Developmental toxicity and estrogenic potency of zearalenone in zebrafish
Characterization of Atrazine-Induced Gonadal Malformations in African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus laevis) and Comparisons with Effects of an Androgen Antagonist (Cyproterone Acetate) and Exogenous Estrogen (17β-Estradiol): Support for the Demasculinization/Feminization Hypothesis
The Florence Statement on Triclosan and Triclocarban
CA.gove, Proposition 65, Benzophenone
Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics Are Making You Fat, Sick, and Infertile
