Environmental toxins

Environmental toxins

In Functional Medicine we take care of those environmental toxins which are damaging the health of every person in the world.

Environmental toxins pose serious health risks, causing a wide range of conditions such as cancers, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, endoncrine issues and neurological disorders by disrupting vital body systems like the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.

The exposure can lead to hormonal imbalances, fatigue, digestive problems, and developmental delays in children, with vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and low-income communities being particularly at risk. Common sources of these toxins include air pollutants like particulate matter, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, and chemicals like PFAS and pesticides.

How Toxins Affect the Body

• Disruption of Biological Systems: Toxins can interfere with hormone signaling, damage mitochondria (the energy centers of cells), cause oxidative stress, and dysregulate the immune system, leading to internal imbalances.

• Bioaccumulation: Many pollutants are persistent and can accumulate in tissues over time, leading to chronic health effects from prolonged, low-level exposure.

• Vulnerable Populations: Children, pregnant women, and individuals with lower incomes often face higher risks due to their developing systems and increased exposure in certain environments.

Health Problems Linked to Environmental Toxins

• Cancers: Exposure to certain toxins is linked to increased risks of various cancers, including kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Pollutants like particulate matter and heavy metals contribute to heart conditions such as ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction.

• Respiratory and Neurological Issues: Air pollution can worsen respiratory diseases, while neurotoxins can lead to neurological disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.

• Endocrine Disruption: Chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and certain pesticides can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances and related health problems.

• Reproductive and Developmental Problems: Some toxins are associated with reduced fertility and developmental delays in children, including low birth weight and behavioral changes.

Examples of Environmental Toxins

• Particulate Matter (PM): Fine particles in air pollution (like PM2.5 and PM10) are linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Volatile organic compounds are organic compounds that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. They are common and exist in a variety of settings and products, not limited to house mold, upholstered furniture, arts and crafts supplies, dry cleaned clothing, and cleaning supplies.

• BPA or Bisphenol A: BPA is a chemical used as a building block for certain types of plastics and resins. It's used in durable polycarbonate plastics, found in items like reusable water bottles and food storage containers.

• Plastics: Are everwhere!

• Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, arsenic, asbestos, chromium and cadmium are toxic metals that can harm the heart, kidneys, nervous, and immune systems.

• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): This group of chemicals can lead to reproductive effects, increased cholesterol levels, and immune system suppression.

• Pesticides: Herbicides like atrazine are linked to hormone disruption and birth defects.

• Radon Gas: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings and is a leading cause of lung cancer.

• Mold mycotoxins: Are also considered part ot the environmental toxicology.

In our DRESS programm we help you identify the possible places of environmental toxins in yous daily life and get rid of them. We also test if you are accumulating them and they are the cause of your health issues.