Toxins in your home.

Eliminating Toxins From Your Environment

Total Health Reset

Tour Your Household

• Take your time to thoroughly assess household products as they often contain numerous toxins.
• Many toxins used in household products have been determined to be toxic but are present in amounts just below governmental regulations.
• Cumulative exposure to these toxins can lead to hormone disruption, cancer, inflammation, immune dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, autoinflammatory disorders, and degenerative disorders.
• Visit the Environmental Working Group website (www.EWG.org) to research your products and learn how to reduce levels of toxins.

Product Categories to Evaluate:

1. Cosmetics: Assess the ingredients in your cosmetics and choose products with fewer harmful chemicals.
2. Skin Care Products: Examine the ingredients in your skin care products and opt for those that are free from toxins.
3. Soaps, Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair Care Products: Check the ingredients in these products and select toxin-free alternatives.
4. Household Cleaning Products, Air Fresheners, Laundry Detergents: Evaluate the ingredients in these products and switch to safer options.
5. Cookware: Assess the materials used in your cookware and choose non-toxic options such as stainless steel or ceramic.

Water Quality

• City water is usually treated with chlorine to keep it safe from bacteria. However, chlorine can affect the taste and kill beneficial bacteria in your body.
• Most city water is tested for heavy metals like lead and arsenic, but it's important to be cautious about the pipes in your home. Consider having the water from your faucet tested if you have any concerns.
• Trace doses of medication and other toxins may be present in city water but are often not tested for. Filtering city water is recommended.
• Well water should be tested for heavy metals and other impurities. Use a filter if necessary.
• Bottled water is not always superior to tap water. Some brands simply bottle city water from another location. Do thorough research before regularly purchasing bottled water.
• Be mindful of the type of plastic used in water bottles. Softer plastics are more likely to leach chemicals into the water, especially at higher temperatures. Avoid bottles containing BPA and opt for glass or hard BPA-free plastic containers.
• When carrying your own water, use stainless steel or glass water bottles to minimize chemical leaching.

Heavy Metal Exposure/Sources

• With industrial activities in the 20th century, humans have been increasingly exposed to heavy metals.
• Heavy metals are challenging for the body to eliminate and tend to accumulate in tissues, causing various health issues.
• Nervous system disorders, immune dysfunction, kidney and gastrointestinal dysfunction, and cancer are some of the problems associated with heavy metal exposure.
• The most problematic heavy metals include lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
• Mercury is found in air, water, and soil. Inhalation of mercury vapor is the most dangerous route of exposure. It is used in various chemical processes and can be present in multi-use vaccine vials and silver dental amalgams. Mercury is neurotoxic and can cross the blood-brain barrier and placenta.
• Lead was commonly used in pipes and paint until the mid-20th century. Some countries still export products, including children's toys, that contain lead paint. Lead is highly toxic and affects neurological, cognitive, and various bodily functions.

• Cadmium is used in industry and can lead to kidney failure, gastrointestinal disease, lung disease, and kidney disease.

  Arsenic is mainly acquired through contaminated food and water. It can be absorbed through the small intestine or skin. Arsenic causes oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysfunction of many enzymes in the body, leading to neurological disorders, liver and other cancers, and DNA and brain damage.

  • Blood tests alone are not adequate to determine heavy metal exposure or tissue levels. Specialized testing is available to assess current or past heavy metal exposure.

Mold

• Mold produces toxins known as mycotoxins, which are typically inhaled.
• In acute exposures, mold spores and toxins can act as allergens or irritants, causing gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.
• Some individuals have genetic variations that impair their ability to effectively clear mold toxins from their bodies.
• Accumulation of mycotoxins can lead to a complex series of immune reactions and dysfunctions.
• Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), coined by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, describes the chronic effects of mold toxins.
• Major symptoms of CIRS include fatigue, weakness, memory and concentration issues, headaches, muscle aches, and lower respiratory symptoms.
• Mold exposure has also been linked to conditions such as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and other auto-inflammatory syndromes.
• Conventional medical establishments may not fully recognize mold-related illness, but functional medicine has dedicated attention to mold evaluation and treatment.
• Treatment for mold-related illness involves removing mold sources in the environment and chelating mycotoxins from the body.
• If you suspect mold exposure, consult with a medical provider to explore testing options.
• Home tests for air quality are available at affordable prices. You can find them online or at local hardware stores.

This information provides a thorough understanding of the importance of eliminating toxins from your environment as part of a total health reset. By being aware of toxins in household products, evaluating water quality, addressing heavy metal exposure, and recognizing the impact of mold toxins, you can take steps to create a healthier living environment for yourself and your family.