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DESCRIPTION
Environmental issues such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, and the overuse of pesticides and other chemicals are cause for concern. Today there is reason to be concerned about the quality of our water and food supply and about the effects of exposure to radiation and toxic metals, particularly on our immune systems. The body's immune system is a complex network that protects us from infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms), allergens (substances that induce allergic reactions), and other pathogens (substances that cause disease). When something foreign threatens the body, the body responds by forming antibodies and producing increased numbers of white blood cells to combat the intruder. The kidneys and liver work to rid the body of toxins. A properly functioning immune system is thus vital for good health and proper nutrition is becoming increasingly important to help the body detoxify itself.
CAUSES
Certain minerals, such as calcium and zinc, are necessary to sustain life. Other minerals, like copper, are essential in small amounts but are toxic in greater amounts. Some minerals not only have no nutritional value but are also toxic in any amount. These toxic metals - lead, aluminum, cadmium, and mercury - pervade our environment and threaten our health, impairing the function of our organs.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Aluminum Toxicity
Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fumigants, and fertilizers containing these metals and other toxic substances seep into our soil and food. Food additives, preservatives, and artificial coloring pervade the products in our supermarkets and in our medications, including vaccines that contain mercury based preservatives. Fruits and vegetables are sprayed, treated with ripening agents, and waxed to make them appear more appetizing. Toxic chemicals and hazardous waste have contaminated our air and water.
Indoor pollution is an especially serious issue. Studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) have shown that indoor air pollution levels in homes, schools and workplaces are often 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor levels, and sometimes is as much as 100 times greater. People spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, which increases their exposure to toxic elements.
Such exposure is believed to have increased in recent years due to the construction of tightly closed, energy efficient buildings and an increase in the use of synthetic building materials and chemical products. Indoor pollutants are as varied as the health problems they can cause. Some of the common products and environmental factors that can have a detrimental effect on health include disinfectants, hair sprays, paint, solvents, bedding, animal hair, asbestos, building carbon monoxide, household cleaning products, dust, and mold. Electromagnetic fields, lead, low-level radiation from television screens and computer monitors, pesticides, pollen, and radon contribute to environmental hazards. Some products used in the home emit volatile components into the air, such as styrene from plastics, benzene from solvents, and formaldehyde from manufactured wood products such as pressed wood furniture and kitchen cabinets. Permanent-press clothes, dry-cleaned clothes, carpeting (4-phenylcyclohexene [4-pc]), and plastics emit traces of toxic vapors. Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes raises the level of toxic substances not only in the smoker, but also in those exposed to secondhand smoke. Exposure to any such substances can aggravate allergies and compromise the immune system, paving the way for the development of serious illness.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
When these and other pollutants in our environment invade our bodies, they can cause such reactions as:
- Diarrhea.
- Watery eyes.
- Nausea.
- Upset stomach.
- Ringing in the ears.
The symptoms of environmental toxicity are so varied, depending upon the substance, that they symptoms also include:
- Asthma.
- Bronchitis.
- Stuffy nose.
- Arthritis.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Eczema.
- Depression.
- Chronic flu-like symptoms. If you are having flu-like symptoms, you may be reacting to some item or material in your home or your workplace and the culprit may not be a virus.
- Exposure to environmental toxins has been linked to immune deficiency and cancer.
- In children, poor academic performance, and some behavioral, emotional, and learning disabilities have also been linked to indoor environmental pollution.
The symptoms of environmental toxicity and environmental allergies can be very similar, but the mechanisms that cause them are different. Allergies result from an over reaction by the immune system to some substance encountered in the environment. Environmental toxicity, on the other hand, is not a result of an immune system reaction, but a direct poisoning of tissues or cells, so that they can no longer function as they should. Allergic reactions usually begin to subside when contact with the offending allergen ceases, whereas toxicity-based problems can persist long afterwards, depending on the type and extent of the damage the toxins have caused.
TREATMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
Most metal pots and pans used for cooking leave residues of metal in your food. Some of these metals, like the iron from cast-iron skillets, actually can be beneficial. But other metals can be harmful. Some aluminum and coated cookware can leach off small amounts of metals that can be harmful over time.
It is advisable to see an allergy specialist to have a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) if you experience any of the symptoms listed above to rule out allergies as a cause of the problem. You may want to have a hair analysis done to determine the level of toxic substances in your system.
Liver extract injections have produced good results for some people.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the surrounding soil. It is most prevalent in certain areas of the country and is present in greater concentrations in newer, well-insulated homes. Exposure to radon is believed to be the number two cause of lung cancer in the United States. Home radon test kits are available in most hardware stores. If your home is found to have radon, you can probably correct the problem by sealing cracks and improving ventilation in the basement. Regional offices of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can provide more information. See recommendations below.
Asbestos, once widely used in a variety of products and building materials, may still be present in buildings and homes that were built or renovated between 1900 and 1970. Asbestos is not dangerous if it is still intact and in solid form. It becomes dangerous when it breaks down and fibers are released into the air. The asbestos fibers, which are so small that they can pass through vacuum cleaner bags and can enter the lungs and get lodged in the delicate lung tissue. Asbestos exposure can cause a variety of illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, a type of tumor. Cancers of the larynx, oral cavity, kidney, and colon are sometime attributed to asbestos as well. Only qualified contractors should do asbestos removal.
One household item that can cause a lot of problems is carpeting. Some of the chemicals commonly used in carpeting have been shown to have an adverse effect on health. One suspect chemical is 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PC), a byproduct of the production of styrene-butadiene. This substance is used for the backing of many carpets. Breakdown products from styrene-butadiene are also potentially toxic. Shampooing carpeting can be particularly bad for your health. When you shampoo a carpet, the bottom stays damp well after the surface you walk on is dry. This dampness becomes a breeding ground for thousands of microorganisms that can wreak havoc on your system. The moisture can also seep into the floor beneath, which in many buildings consists of particle board made from formaldehyde-based glue and processed wood. When the particle board gets wet, the formaldehyde can be released into the air in the home.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Burdock Root and Red Clover assist in cleansing the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
- Burdock Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
- Burdock Root (Archium Lappa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
- Burdock Root, Nature's Way, 540 mg, 100 Caps
- Red Clover Herb, Nature's Way 500 mg, 100 Caps
Milk Thistle helps to protect the cells of the liver and also promotes the regeneration of damaged liver cells.
- Thisilyn, Milk Thistle Extract, Nature's Way, 175 mg, 100 VCaps
- Milk Thistle Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 175 mg, 60 VCaps
Turmeric contains Curcumin, which inhibits tumor growth and boosts the liver's ability to eliminate environmental toxins from the body.
- Turmeric Extract (Curcuma Longa), Standardized to 95% Curcuminoids, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 120 Tabs
- Curcumin, NOW Foods, 665 mg, 60 VCaps
- Turmeric Powder, C/S, 4 oz. Bulk
- Turmeric Root Powder, Certified Organic, Banyan Botanicals, 1/2 lb.
- Turmeric Tincture, 100% organic, 2 fl. oz.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Include in the diet fiber sources such as Aerobic Bulk Cleanse (ABC) from Aerobic Life Industries, oat bran, and wheat bran. Apple pectin also can be beneficial. Note: Always take supplemental fiber separately from other supplements and medications.
Drink only steam-distilled or quality bottled water. Do not drink tap water.
Use non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible. Many disinfectants, drain cleaners, and other household chemicals have toxic properties. Fortunately, there are environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, an effective, non-toxic disinfectant can be made at home:
NON-TOXIC DISINFECTANT RECIPE
1/2 Cup Borax
1 Gallon Hot Water
NON-TOXIC DRAIN CLEANER (For Clearing A Drain)
1/4 Cup Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Vinegar
Close the drain until the fizzling stops and then flush with hot water.
Try using an air cleaner or ionizer for symptomatic relief. These devices remove animal odors, bacteria, dust, pollen, smog, and smoke from the air.
To reduce your exposure to natural gas, pesticides, radon, smoke, and other chemicals in the household, ventilate your home well. Replace particle board subflooring with exterior grade plywood that does not contain formaldehyde. The wood should then be sealed with a nontoxic sealant.
Have your home and workplace tested for radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally and seeps from the ground. It is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer. Simple test kits are available at most hardware stores. If radon is found, measures such as sealing cracks and increasing ventilation in basement areas can often correct the problem.
If you have any fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, hot water heaters, kerosene heaters, or gas space heaters, be on the alert for carbon monoxide exposure. Be sure that all appliances are properly vented and that your house is well ventilated. Never run your car engine in the garage. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. When inhaled in sufficient quantities, it enters the bloodstream and combines with the hemoglobin in red blood cells, crowding out needed oxygen. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue.
- Confusion.
- Continued exposure can lead to coma and death.
About 500 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, may due to motor vehicle exhaust. Portable carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased at hardware stores. Most building codes require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in new homes, and if you are selling a home, even an older home, most states require the home be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector before it is sold.
Scrape any peeling paint inside and outside your home using appropriate protective devices. Older paints contain toxic lead residue. See Lead Poisoning (Toxicity). Caution: Some states require that this job be done by certified companies that have the proper protective gear, the ability to protect the environment from the paint scrapings, and the means to properly dispose of the hazardous waste when they are done.
Change vacuum cleaner bags frequently. Most vacuum cleaner bags do a poor job of filtering out dust, pollen, dust mites, and other potentially harmful particles. When shopping for a new vacuum, look for models that encase the bag in a hard, impermeable shell or which have a HEPA filter.
Do not smoke, and do not let anyone else smoke in your home or car.
Do not use insect sprays or bug bombs. If you need the services of an exterminator, make sure that anyone you hire is licensed and can offer non-toxic insect repellents (such as diatomaceous earth).
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Essential Coenzyme Q-10 30 mg 4 times daily. Important in immune function.
CoQ10, Vegetarian Coenzyme, NOW Foods, 30 mg, 60 VCaps,
CoQ10, Now Foods, 400 mg, 60 SoftgelsCoenzyme A As directed on label. Help the immune system detoxify many dangerous substances. Works well with CoQ10. Pantethine (Coenzyme A Precursor), Highly Active Form of Vitamin B-5, 300 mg, NOW Foods, 60 Softgels
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) As directed on label. Has antioxidant effects that can improve the health of the liver. Caution: Do not use if you have manic-depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants.
SAM-e, Enteric Coated, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 30 TabsVitamin C With Bioflavonoids 3,000-10,000 mg daily, in divided doses. Aids in removing toxins and heavy metals from the body.
Vitamin C Liquid w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.,
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs,
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps,
The Right C, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 120 TabsVery Important Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) As directed on label. A powerful antioxidant that protects against free radical formation and radiation.
GliSODin Antioxidant Catalyst, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 90 VCaps,Garlic (Kyolic) 2 tablets 3 times daily, with meals. A potent immunostimulant.
L-Cysteine
And
L-Carnitine
And
L-Glutathione
And
L-Methionine500 mg each 3 times daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. To protect the lungs, heart, and liver by destroying free radicals.
L-Cysteine Structural Support W/ Vitamin B-6 & C, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps,
L-Carnitine Liquid, Double Strength, NOW Foods, 16 fl. oz.,
L-Carnitine, Stable Tartrate Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 60 Caps,
L-Methionine, 500 mg, Plus B-6, 10 mg, 100 Caps,
L-Glutathione, 250 mg, 60 CapsProteolytic Enzymes As directed on label. Take between meals. Important for proper digestion and detoxification.
MetabolicZyme (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 900 Tabs,
Plant Enzymes, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 120 VCaps,
Enzymes, All Complete, 250 mg, 90 CapsPlus
Pancreatic EnzymesTake as directed on label. Take with meals. Important for proper digestion and detoxification.
Pancreatin 4X, 500 mg, NOW Foods, 100 CapsTaurine Plus
(American Biologics)As directed on label. An important antioxidant and immune regulator, necessary for white blood cell activation and neurological function. Use the sublingual form. Important Apple Pectin As directed on label. Binds with toxins and heavy metals to remove them from the body. Grape Seed Extract As directed on label.
As directed on label.Powerful antioxidant.
Grape Seed (Grapeseed) (Vitus vinifera), 100% Pure, NOW Foods, 16 fl. oz.Vitamin A 25,000 IU daily for 1 month, then reduce to 15,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier. Use emulsion form for easier assimilation and greater safety at high doses.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 SoftgelsPlus
Natural Beta-Carotene
Or
Carotenoid Complex (Betatene)As directed on label. An antioxidant and precursor of vitamin A.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 SoftgelsVitamin E 200-800 IU daily. Antioxidant and detoxifier. Use d-alpha-tocopherol.
Ester E Natural Vitamin E, California Natural, 400 IU, 60 Softgels,
Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 100 Gels,
Vitamin E-1000, NOW Foods, 1000 IU, 100 Gels,
Vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
Vitamin B Complex 100 mg of each B vitamin daily, with meals 3 times daily (amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary). B vitamins are vital for cellular function and repair, needed for proper digestion and to protect the lining of the digestive tract.
Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs,
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 CapsPantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5) 100 mg 3 times daily. All B vitamins are vital for cellular function and repair, needed for proper digestion and to protect the lining of the digestive tract.
Pantothenic Acid, 100% Natural Vitamin B-5, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 CapsPlus Extra
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)50 mg 3 times daily. Important for immune function.
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 CapsAnd
Niacinamide (Vitamin B-3)Up to 500 mg daily. Niacinamide provides Vitamin B-3 (niacin) in a non-flushing form.
Niacinamide, Non-Flushing Niacin (Vitamin B-3), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 CapsHelpful Calcium 50 mg daily. Essential for normal cell division and function.
Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Liquid Calcium W/ConcenTrace, Orange Vanilla, Trace Minerals, 1000 mg, 32 fl. oz.,
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 GelcapsPlus
Copper3 mg daily. Copper influences protein metabolism and general healing, improves vitamin C oxidation and is integral in the formation of RNA.
Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,Zinc 80 mg daily. Do not exceed 100 mg daily from all supplements. Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best absorption.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges,
Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges,
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 CapsManganese 50 mg daily. Take separately from calcium. Works with other trace minerals to aid the immune system, Use a chelate form.
Manganese Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 30 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,Raw Thymus 500 mg daily. Improves T lymphocyte cell production. See Gland Therapy.
Thymus Organic Glandular (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group/Nutricology, 75 Caps
ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for environmental toxicity.
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs
A coenzyme for several key steps in the production of energy within each cell, and an antioxidant important in its clinical effects. It is these two properties make CoQ10 one of the best supplements available today.Burdock Root (Arctium Lappa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Burdock Root is used is traditionally used for skin disorders associated with adolescence. It is also one of the most effective herbs for cleansing the blood without the side effect of nausea.CoQ10, Vegetarian Coenzyme, NOW Foods, 30 mg, 60 VCaps
A coenzyme for several key steps in the production of energy within each cell, and an antioxidant important in its clinical effects. It is these two properties make CoQ10 one of the best supplements available today.Detox Foot Pads, 10 Detox Foot Patches Per Box
BodyPure detox foot pads are very effective, 100% natural, easy to apply, and a truly unique detoxifying product.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.Garlicin HC, Healthy Circulation Formula With Odor Free Garlic Supplement, Nature's Way, 90 Enteric-Coated Tabs
Garlicin HC garlic supplement supports cardiovascular health with the help of hawthorn, cayenne and vitamin E.Grape Seed Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 30 Caps
Nature's Way Standardized Grape Seed Extract are technically and scientifically advanced herbal product.Green Phyto Foods Vegetarian Powder, NOW Foods, 10 oz.
Green Phyto Foods is a potent vegetarian blend of 30 nutrient dense superfoods containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, fiber, chlorophyll, enzymes and herbs.Quercetin, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 VCaps
Quercetin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid found in high concentrations in red wine, onions and green tea. Quercetin possesses powerful antioxidant properties and like other bioflavonoids, has the ability to stabilize cell membranes.Red Clover Herb, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
In Europe, Red Clover herb is widely cultivated and used as a salad herb and as a tonic.Ultimate Respiratory Cleanse With Mullein, Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs
A powerful, synergistic herbal blend that will cleanse, strengthen and rejuvenate the entire respiratory system. This formula also provides unique nourishment specifically for the immune system.Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
HerbalRemedies: Environmental Toxicity Information
HerbalRemedies: Environmental Toxicity Supplements, Information & Products
HerbalRemedies: Aluminum Toxicity Information
HerbalRemedies: Blood Poisoning / Septicemia Supplements, Information & Products
HerbalRemedies: Nickel Toxicity Supplements, Information & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have an environmental toxicity or suspect a environmental toxicity and may need professional consultation and hair analysis testing for verification.
You have any increase of symptoms or other signs of environmental toxicity.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. Some people may have sensitivity, allergies, or other health conditions which would prevent them from using certain herbs or other treatments.
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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