Types of Environmental Toxins and their Inflammation Risks

In today’s society, it seems that catching the cold or flu is extremely easy to do. That’s because it is. As a matter of fact, many chronic conditions are becoming more widespread and apparent as time continues to move forward. This is due to the constant environmental toxins that continue to penetrate the air that we breathe and water that we drink. Not to mention, all of the daily products that people use (like cosmetics, cleaning products, plastic containers, gasoline, silverware, water bottles, and soda cans) which further adds more chemicals into the air.

As many studies have shown, environmental toxins play a critical role in the development of various diseases due to the inflammation buildup. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed, “currently, more than 400 environmental chemicals or their metabolites are measured in human samples (i.e. urine, blood, serum, breast milk and meconium)”¹. Furthermore, many of the humans that harbor toxins in their bodies suffer from serious chronic conditions and inflammation. While conventional doctors may inform patients of what is wrong with their system, they’re omitting exactly why individuals caught these diseases and where they came from. Diseases are normally born from infections, and infections are induced by a weak immune system and a buildup of bad bacteria that spread to a particular area and became inflamed. Different environmental toxins are associated with different conditions in the body. Below is a list of different environmental toxins, the types of inflammation that they cause and the conditions that result from it.

Pesticides

These chemicals are used to repel bacteria, fungi, rodents, bugs, weeds and other pests in our homes. They’re also used by farmers to protect freshly grown crops. Constant ingestion and exposure to pesticides has been tied to inflammation in the lungs and brain. Particularly, pesticides affect the neutrophilic airways which play a significant role in bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, pesticide exposure has also shown to disrupt the endocrine system which can cause fertility issues and worsen the immune system which causes vulnerability to viral infections and autoimmune diseases.

Water Pollution

With 70% of the Earth and 60% of the human body being made up of water, it’s hard to believe that such a necessary substance could actually cause harm. This is why many people purchase filters or fresh bottled water, although individuals may want to be cautious on their water choices. The World Health Organization stated that “80% of diseases are waterborne”². Additionally, a 2008 study revealed that 10 brands of water bottles contained 38 different pollutants from industrial chemicals, bacteria and disinfection byproducts². Water can potentially carry bacteria such as E. Coli, Hepatitis A, and Salmonella. All of these can cause inflammation within the gut microbiota, bowels, heart, pancreas and liver. If they continue untreated, these conditions can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic digestive conditions.

Air Pollution

The air that we breathe is contaminated with toxic emissions, particles, allergens, and bacteria that travel from person-to-person. The World Health Organization estimated that approximately eight million deaths are caused by toxic air each year². These toxins come from construction sites, industrial areas, vehicles, agriculture, and even daily products such as paint, cleaning supplies, tobacco, and perfumes. Since many toxins travel through the air, various types of bacteria can combine together to cause inflammation in numerous areas such as the lungs, the heart and the brain. These pollutants cause damage to the immune system that can induce oxidative stress, inflammation in the air pathways, and arteries. The more one is exposed to toxic air, the more inflammation will be accumulated and spread throughout the body. Air pollution has been connected with various inflammatory conditions such as asthma, dementia, heart disease and multiple cancers.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are a group of elements and compounds found in the earth and are often used as an ingredient in daily products such as paint and cleaning products. These metals include aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and nickel. While all of these toxins have side effects of their own, they have one thing in common: heavy metal toxicity. Inhalation of heavy metals can cause inflammation in the cardiovascular system, reproductive system, endocrine system, and neurological functions. It is also responsible for the release of uncontrolled free radicals which can lead to damaged tissues and inflamed muscles, thus causing joint pain.

Detoxification to Treat Inflammation

At LifeWorks Wellness Center, inflammation has a variety of causes, and it’s up to us to figure out these causes in order to take care of them through methods of detoxification.  Every patient’s case differs, therefore most initial consultations will include an examination to learn more about one’s medical background, occupation, current and past medications, allergies and symptoms. After a series of tests and evaluations, the patient will receive a thorough detoxification plan that lists all ozone treatments, intravenous therapies, peptides, supplements and diets that their practitioner ordered. This process can last from weeks to months, but in the end, all toxins will be eliminated, and inflammation reduced.

If you or someone you know is currently suffering from chronic illness, inflammation, or pain due to environmental toxins, please call to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at 727-466-6789.

References:

1. Environmental Chemicals (cdc.gov)
2. Causes of Inflammation: Environmental Toxins – Ia.Liesa (iamliesa.com)