Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Environmental Toxins and Food Borne Illnesses

We are exposed to numerous environmental toxins and pollutants everyday. They pose an increased problem to our health as many of these toxins and pollutants are in our air, water, and soil. Four of the most widely known environmental toxins are lead, trihalomethanes, ionizing radiation, and tobacco smoke. Environmental toxins are found in our tap water, in the fertilizers used for crops, preservatives and hormones that are added to our food or in the packaging of our food, household cleaning products, personal care products, household items that are comprised of wood products, plastics, and/or solvents, our clothing, and pesticides and insecticides.
         Many serious risks have been linked to these environmental toxins such as: certain cancers, depression, asthma, arthritis, immune deficiency and auto-immune diseases, eczema, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, chronic fatigue, chemical imbalances in the brain, etc. When environmental toxins cause an array of troubling symptoms they can also be attributed to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). MCS is suspected when a person exhibits problems to even a low amount of toxins, they experience ongoing problems, different triggers affect them, and they improve when the trigger is removed.
         It is possible to reduce the toxic intake and build up by incorporating healthy changes and life-style choices. Some of the ways to avoid environmental toxins are to use nontoxic cleaning products, ventilate your space well, always use protective gear when working with toxins such as old paint, eliminate all sources of smoke, do not use bug sprays or bug bombs, thoroughly research all personal products, read the entire insert of all medications, etc. There are numerous herbal substances that can help your body to naturally get rid of toxic build up, such as: dandelion, fennel, and other herbs that are used effectively to cleanse and detoxify the body. There are also natural remedies and foods that have a detoxifying and cleansing effect on the body, too.
         Food borne illnesses refer to illnesses that are the result of consuming foods that are contaminated with viruses, parasites, and pathogenic bacteria. There are also those that are due to natural or chemical toxins found on certain foods. Some of the major causes of these illnesses are contamination, improper storage and handling, and improper preparation of foods. It is usually not diseases that occur naturally, but rather unnatural practices that trigger the attack. There are preventive measures that are also simple that are easy to incorporate in order to lessen one’s chances of contracting a food borne illness. E.coli (Haemorraghic colitis) is caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli. This bacterium produces toxic substances that can damage the intestinal lining causing pain and diarrhea. Some of those infected will recover quickly; others will experience more serious complications. My daughter developed Hemolytic Uraemic Syndrome. This condition leads to damage to the blood and kidneys and is especially harmful to the elderly and the very young. In order to prevent this, it is advisable to thoroughly wash all items used in preparations, to cook all types of meat to destroy all the organisms present and to refrigerate left over meat right away. In addition, thoroughly cleaning all produce before eating is advisable as well. My daughter contracted hers through spinach, which was later recalled. Salmonellosis is triggered by a bacterium called salmonella. This has the tendency to multiply in the small intestines as well as invading the gut lining. This bacterium is common in feces of animals and humans, in raw eggs, meat, poultry, and other egg and meat products. To prevent this disease it is advisable to thoroughly cook all foods and make sure they are properly handled.
         I believe it is extremely important to review with my clients as a precautionary measure. Although they might have heard some of this before, I believe that by discussing this with them, they will recognize that living their healthiest and best life is not dealing with their health on a symptomatic level, but by addressing their health as a whole. It is also important to me that my clients understand the energetic connection to toxins and their bodies. Through discussing these issues with my clients, I am helping to facilitate the integration of the health of their mind, body, and spirit. Integrating wellness through wholeness, this is what I am called to do and what brings me joy!

http://www.holistichelp.net/environmental-health.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/foodbornedisease/index.html
http://www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/foodborne-illness-common.html

http://www.fsis.usda.gov

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