Lecture by Mark Pettus transcribed by Carolann Patterson

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS: How do they get inside of us; what do they do to us; and how can we undo the damage they cause?

Learning objectives for this lecture will be to

i. Review some common sources of environmental toxins that pervade daily living.

ii. Examine how the growing burden of environmental toxic exposure affects health and quality of life.

iii. Examine lifestyle, behavioral, and supplement strategies that can reduce our toxic burden and optimize our capacity for detoxification.

The Precautionary Principle

“We as physicians must act on facts…and on the most accurate interpretation of them, using the best scientific information. That does not mean that we must sit back until we have 100% evidence about everything. When the state of the health of the people is at stake…we should be prepared to take action to diminish those risks even when the scientific knowledge is not conclusive” Horton. Lancet. 1998;352(9124):251

America does not apply The Precautionary Principle as do other parts of the world - especially in Europe and Canada. In America, THOUSANDS of chemicals are permitted to be used in food and countless other products until proven 100% unsafe and dangerous. Other countries approach it from the opposite angle: when a chemical is proven 100% safe it is then permitted to be used. If it happens that it is already in the system and considered to be unsafe it is more readily removed than would be the case in the US.

Exposure to environmental toxins

Since WWII, more than 85,000 new synthetic chemicals have been released into the environment. As a species we are exposed to 6 million lbs mercury and 2.5 billion lbs of other toxic chemicals each year. Most have not been tested for potential toxicity in adults [few in children]. Over 4 billion lbs of pesticides are used annually in the US. Current law allows 350 pesticides to be used on the foods we eat. The average home contains 3-10 gallons of hazardous materials. Traces > 280 synthetic chemicals can be found in the average newborn.

Our Toxic Load is being passed on

The Environmental Working Group commissioned five laboratories in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to analyze umbilical cord blood collected from 10 minority infants born in 2007 and 2008. Collectively, the laboratories identified up to 232 industrial compounds and pollutants in these babies, finding complex mixtures of compounds in each infant. This research was the first ever to detect BPA in US cord blood as found in 9 out of 10 cord blood samples. Environmental Working Group [EWG.org] -Neonatal Toxicity Study.

The research demonstrates that industrial chemicals cross the placenta in large numbers to contaminate a baby before the moment of birth. Of 10 babies born in US hospitals, 287 chemical compounds are identified in their cord blood, with an average of 200 chemicals per infant. In total, the nine EWG subjects with chemical traces in the cord blood carried:

76 chemicals linked to cancer in humans or animals [average 53]
94 chemicals that are toxic to the brain and nervous system [average 62] – nb: a more sensitive part of the body, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s
86 chemicals that interfere with the hormone system [average 58] – nb: endocrine disruptors, puberty is now 2 years earlier, PCOS poly-cystic-ovarian-syndrome is an epidemic in, infertility is close to epidemic, sperm counts are down and 1:8 women develop breast cancer]
79 chemicals associated with birth defects or abnormal development [average 55] – nb: associated with Autism
77 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system [average 55]
77 chemicals toxic to the immune system [average 53] nb: autoimmunity epidemic linked to toxic exposure 40-50 million adults with thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, MS.

Pesticide Levels in Children

Some foods have more “residue” from pesticides. Switching your Dirty Dozen to 100% organic will yield 90% reduction in pesticide residue levels in urine.

What are the Main targets of chemical toxins? Chemical compounds clearly affect the:

immune system [allergies/asthma, chronic infections, auti-immunity]
Nervous system
Endocrine-hormonal system
Generational [coding and programming that is passed on to children who are born with their systems on alert and “switched on“].

The Effects of Toxins

Fatigue
Muscle aches / joint pain
Brain fog
Headaches
Sinus congestion and allergies
Digestive problems
Skin problems
PMS and hormone imbalances
Weight gain

Plausible evidence links toxic exposure with risk of:

Immune: Autoimmune diseases, allergies, asthma, chronic dermatitis, and multiple chemical sensitivities [MCS]
Mitochondrial and Metabolic: Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, PD, autism spectrum, obesity, insulin resistance
Endocrine and reproductive disorders: weight gain, PMS, PCOS, Infertility, Endometriosis, Fibroids
Digestive disorders: IBS, nausea and vomiting
Neurological disorders e.g. Parkinson’s, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum, and multiple sclerosis
Behavioral health disorders e.g. depression, anxiety, attention deficit and hyperactivity
Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

Mitochondria are our “powerhouses.” There are 53 trillion contained in every cell. They have their own DNA - their own “book of life” - and can run themselves. We get our mitochondrial DNA from our mothers. Mitochondria from the father are loaded in the tail of the sperm and exclusively designed for one thing: to be the first to get to the egg. Once there, the tail falls off and all mitochondria then come from the mother.

Sick mitochondria are driving many complex diseases:

Parkinson’s, Autism, ALS, MS, Dementia
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue
Complex pain syndromes
Congestive heart failure
Pre-diabetes/diabetes

There are many things that can be done to restore mitochondria health by following the same protocol as Anti-Inflammatory diet and lifestyle. To learn more, link here to The Health Edge podcast on mitochondria.

Chemicals Cause Damage:

Mitochondrial toxicity – reduced function of the mitochondria and reduced function in cells/organs that contain mitochondria
Oxidative damage [ATP ‘our energy.” Fats are more efficient than carbs for energy production. They improve metabolism and decrease oxidative damage]
Neurotoxicity – solvents diminish neural functioning and Pesticides are neurotoxins by design

Some people retain more toxins than others for the following reasons:

Genetic differences in Phase One and Phase Two enzymes [polymorphism] nb- this is less about a “bad” gene and more about “typos” in the genes that we are given at birth
Nutrient deficiencies [in Mg – Magnesium; Se - Selenium, and Vitamin B6] prevent detoxification. Many of us are also deficient in Vitamins A, E, and K all of which are powerful antioxidants that aid detoxification.
High sugar/Low protein diets
Stress, emotional stuffing, trauma – allostatic overload impairs one’s ability to detoxify
Heavy metal presence [esp Hg – Mercury]
Increased exposure to toxins

We enter the world with genetic pre-dispositions towards certain conditions, but that does not mean you will get it.

Inheriting “typos” can lead to poor detoxification.

Glutathione S-Transferase pi-1 is responsible for Phase II detoxification of xenobiotics*, carcinogens, steroids, heavy metals, and products of oxidative stress. GSTP1 is located primarily in the brain and lungs.

GSTP1 polymorphisms are associated with either higher or lower enzyme activity, depending on specific environmental exposures. There is an increased risk of toxic burden, oxidative stress and various cancers especially if “GSTM1 Absent” or exposed to cigarette smoke. *Xenobiotic: a foreign chemical substance found within an organism that is not naturally produced by or expected to be present within that organism; substances which are present in much higher concentrations than are usual.

Treatment options to Boost GST activity:

Eat cruciferous vegetables [broccoli, bok choy] and alliums [garlic] to increase GST activity and reduce cancer risk
Eat a diet rich in antioxidants [colorful foods] and consider supplementation
Ensure availability of GSH cofactors [methionine-rich foods, NAC, L-glutamine, glycine, Mg, B6
Limit Glutathione depletion with alpha lipoic acid, milk thistle and taurine
Minimize exposure to xenobiotics, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic metals

Pharmaceuticals are in our Drinking Water

At least one pharmaceutical was detected in tests of finished drinking water supplies for 24 metropolitan areas, according to an Associated Press survey of 62 major water providers. Only 28 tested finished drinking water. Tests results vary widely. Some water systems said tests had been negative, but the AP found independent research showing otherwise.

Phthalates are in the Products we use...and in our Urine...

Phthalates are used in many common products easily released into the environment. Exposure is airborne, from food and from direct contact. They disrupt endocrine function [EWG's list of endocrine disrupters] and are associated with cancer e.g., breast

Environmental Toxins are prevalent in many products:

Persistent Organic Pollutants “POPS” : e.g. PCBs, dioxin, DDT, organochlorine pesticides, petrochemical fertilizers, herbicides
Perfluorooctanoic acid “PFOA”: water repellant in Scotch Guard, Gortex, carpeting, upholstery and PTFE in Teflon
Polybrominated compounds PBDEs : flame retardants in TVs, computers, etc. “21st century PCBs”
PCBs : in meat, fish, dairy
Bisphenol A “BPA”: polycarbinated plastics, canned foods, cash register receipts
Atrazine agricultural pesticide and herbicide seeps into drinking water

Toxic Chemicals are in Beauty Products:

The average woman uses 12 products daily, containing 168 unique ingredients. The average man uses 6 products daily, containing 85 unique ingredients. Get to know what you are putting ON your body, not just IN your body:

Phthalates and Parabens: found in hair and skin care products
Fragrance: found in shampoos, deodorants, skin and body care
DiethanolamineI: DEA
Triethanolamine: TEA - found in many cosmetics
Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, and Quarternium-15: found in skin and hair products…all release formaldehyde and are linked to sensitivities
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: [SLS]
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: [SLES] found in makeup, shampoos, conditioners and toothpaste. When combined with DEA and TEA they form nitrosamines which are carcinogenic
Triclosan: a synthetic antibacterial in skin cleaners and household products is a hormone disrupter. The EWG Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disrupters are listed here

A useful site for to help you get to know the cosmetics you use:

Cosmetic Safety Database www.cosmeticdatabase.com

Explore switching to natural cosmetic products:

MERCURY is found in Fish

Mercury is environmentally ubiquitous with levels 30x higher last 2 generations. It enters the air and rain from coal and oil-fired power plants, incinerators, waste and manufacturing plants that use mercury to produce chlorine-containing plastics, PVC piping, pesticides, etc. It enters water and soil from natural deposits, volcanic activity, mining ore, and disposal of wastes e.g. batteries. Methyl mercury is formed in soil and water by algae and bacteria that is then ingested by fish. It is also found in fungicides. Elemental mercury and amalgams used in dental fillings, batteries, electrodes, barometers, fluorescent light bulbs, red tattoo dye, skin-lightening creams and thermostats. Federal Toxic Release Inventory states that over 6 million lbs of toxic waste in the form of mercury compounds in toxic waste are generated by industry, most of which is released directly into the environment.

High levels found in: Bluefish, Grouper, Marlin, Tuna [yellowfin, blue, albacore], Tilefish, Sea bass, Mahi, Swordfish

Low levels found in: Arctic cod, Anchovies, Catfish, Crab, Flounder, Haddock, Herring, Mackerel, Non-farmed salmon, Trout, Tilapia, Oysters, Tuna [skipjack and chunk light]

MERCURY causes Negative Health Effects

Damages enzymes and other proteins by binding sulfhydryl groups, e.g., metallothionein, hemoglobin, glutathione
Promotes oxidative stress by formation of lipid peroxides, H2O2, and hydroxyl radical
Depletes glutathione and selenium
Penetrates nerves and binds to cysteines on Ach receptors
Damage to brain and kidneys
Cognitive dysfunction, depression, irritability, tremors, changes in vision and hearing
Probable carcinogenic

Chemical Additives are in Food. Read labels and steer clear of the ones pictured below:

MSG and Glutamate

Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid found in plant and animal protein.
Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain.
Glutamate activates or excites cells to “communicate” important messages important for growth, development, learning and memory…essentially a brain stimulant.
MSG or monosodium glutamate is a synthetic chemical added to processed foods to make them more palatable.
The scientific literature regarding the health effects of MSG indicates controversy over the potential of MSG to cause various adverse reactions—from headaches and migraines, altered mood and cognition to endocrine disruption.
Possible Genetic susceptibility and “leaky” blood brain barrier
MSG goes by many names, read labels carefully. See image below for other names to watch out for.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MINIMIZE YOUR EXPOSURE AND REDUCE-REPAIR IMPACT

Switch out THE DIRTY DOZEN to Organic and Stick to THE CLEAN FIFTEEN when not buying Organic

Follow the Principles of Healthy Detoxification:

Minimize your exposure to toxins by eating organic foods, moderating processed foods with refined grain flour, sugar, avoiding large game fish
Drink filtered water
Keep your bowels moving at least once a day through use of flax seeds and magnesium citrate [400mg/day]
Eat only organic animal products
Eat 6-8 servings of colorful vegetables and fruits including cruciferous veggies [broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kale] and allium family [garlic, onions, leeks, watercress, green tea, cilantro, berries, etc]
Eliminate nicotine and moderate alcohol intake [no more than 1 drink/day]
Exercise: Interval cardio 20-30” twice week; yoga; tai chi; Resistance 20” twice/week; Walk a lot and use stairs
Eliminate white flour and sugar and HFCS
Minimize char-broiled meats [heterocyclic amines]
Don’t be afraid to sweat e.g. sauna, steam
Mercury and dental amalgams
Home testing for mold
Reduce toxic thought-behavioral patterns e.g. Mindfulness practice, CBT
Apply chelation protocols for heavy metals

Reduce your toxic burden:

Buy and eat organic whenever possible
Consider glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic
Decline stain protection treatments for upholstery or floor coverings
Ask about VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in paints, new carpeting, furniture
Avoid polycarbonate plastics with “7” and “3” stamped on bottom. Consider aluminum instead
Switch to stainless steel or hard-anodized aluminum pots and pans when Teflon cookware wears out
Vacuum/dust at least once per week: Air purification ionizers
Carbon Filter water

Practice Mind-Body Detoxification

Mindfulness about the dietary and lifestyle choices you make
Meditation

Enhance Blood and Lymph Circulation through:

Aerobic exercise
Yoga
Massage and body work
Sauna and heat therapy
Skin exfoliation and brushing

Talk to your doctor or nutritionist to find out what SUPPLEMENTS are right for you to help you detoxify:

Multivitamin with mineral supplementation
Milk Thistle
Curcumin/turmeric and rosemary
Probiotics
Magnesium citrate [400-800 mg/day]
N-Acetyl Cysteine [NAC, 1200-2400mg]
SAMe, pronounced Sam-MEE [400-800]
Vitamin D [2,000-5,000 units/day to level 30+]
Co-Q-10 [200-400mg]
Alpha lipoic Acid [400-1000 mg]

Explore Helpful websites such as these:

Use Helpful APPS such as these: