Our Toxic Environment

Environmental toxins loom everywhere in our society today. The many conveniences that the industrial age brought also, brought numerous chemicals that weren’t once apart of the air we breathe or the food we eat. In the early twentieth century, the statistic for being diagnoised with cancer was about 1 in 50. Today 1 in 3 will suffer from this disease.

Today, cancer is the number 2 killer among adults and the number 1 cause of death in children. The National Cancer institute acknowledges that environmental toxins and lifestyle account for 80-90% of all cancers today. In addition, since 1980 we have seen asthma increase by more then 40% in children, Our children today have a higher rate of depression, as do adults, and according to a report by CNN, the number one drug prescribed by general practitioners for their patients is antidepressants.

When we look at the statistics of the increases in illness’ and disease in the past 80 years, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that our environment, lifestyle, and lack of nutrients found in today’s food has a large impact on our health. There is no way that we can escape all of the toxins in our environment. However, there are positive steps that we can take to minimize our exposure, ensure we receive the nutrients that are needed for optimal health, and reverse the damage that has been done to our bodies by free radicals.
The EPA stated in it’s report in 2002 that over 24,000 US facilities released 4.79 billion pounds of toxins into the atmosphere. Of these pollutants, 72 million are known to be carcinogenic. Complied with the toxins that we are exposed to through our food, cleaning products, and personal care products, including cosmetics, it is easy to understand why our bodies become so toxic.

Let’s take a look some of the common toxins and the effect they can have on our bodies. According to Brenda Watson, N.D. and author of the book, “Essential Cleansing for Perfect Health”. PCBs, along with heavy metals, pesticides and chemical additives such as bisphenol-A (a common plasticizer, used to make plastics softer, and used in the lining of food cans) are hormone disrupters. She goes on to say that hormone disrupters even in minimal amounts can have a profoundly damaging effect upon sexual organs and sexual development, including earlier development and onset of puberty in young girls, lower production of sperm production and enlarged prostate glands in males. The adverse effects of these toxins are undeniable. The report of a study on in environmental toxins and breast cancer from Silent Spring was recently released that showed the effects of the environment on the increase in breast cancer. To view this report please visit sciencereview.silentspring.org. Women want answers and it is because of these organizations that we may start getting them.
What are some of the things YOU CAN DO to limit your exposure to these toxins?
You are what you eat so, limit your toxin intake by watching which foods you consume. If you eat food or food products that are loaded with pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones you can be sure that they will find their way into your body and begin playing havoc with your hormones and your health. The Environmental Working Group always recommends buying organic when possible. However, we know that is not always possible and it can get quite expensive as well. The EWG came out with a guide that features 12 fruits and vegetables with the most and least amount of pesticides. To obtain this guide, that is printable so you can take it shopping with you, go to: www.foodnews.org/ For even more reasons why eating pesticide free is important read the article, Reducing Exposure is Smart at www.foodnews.org/reduce.php

The Daily Green offers 5 tips for keeping your family safe from pesticides.
Scrub Thoroughly
With conventional foods, you can’t avoid pesticides that are absorbed through a plant’s roots. However, much of the residue from sprayed chemicals is blocked by the plant’s skin. Therefore, vigorous washing can help remove the remnants.
Try Washes
A number of companies also offer non-toxic wash products, which can be sprayed on produce and rinsed, a process manufacturers claim removes more residue than water alone. The sprays also help remove fertilizers, dirt, fungi, waxes and germs from pickers. Neways offers a terrific vegetable wash product with the "Radicate" brand!
To Peel or Not to Peel?
Some experts have suggested choosing produce with thick, peelable skin, which can make it harder for pesticides to enter the primary flesh. However, be aware that Environmental Working Group tests have turned up residues even on peeled bananas and other fruits. Plus, the skins of apples, potatoes and other produce are often loaded with health-promoting antioxidants and other good nutrients, so deciding whether to peel or not can be tricky.
Grow Your Own
By sowing your own garden or containers, you can control exactly what goes on your food. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the world’s most popular hobbies, and have a chance for greater connection to nature.
Buy Organic!
As one would expect, tests have shown organic foods to have much lower levels of pesticide residues. It’s still a good idea to wash organic produce, however, because there is always the possibility of pesticide drift, mistakes and other contaminants. Learn more about organic foods, and how to prepare fresh meals in season, here. Learn about the volumes of pesticides used here.
Additional tips to follow to avoid exposure to toxins can be found under the tab Dangerous Cover-Up. If you can limit your exposures through the food you eat and the chemicals you place on your body then you can feel good knowing that you are doing all you can to limit external toxins from jeopardizing the health of you and your family.