Environmental Toxins and Health

Chiropractic philosophy aims to provide preventative and overall health care to patients. This can include reducing stress, exercise, promoting a healthy diet, and removing toxins. Toxins can be in the air, water, and in products used and consumed. With allergies and environmental sensitivities on the rise, chiropractic care can assist with a healthy lifestyle.

Environmental Toxins

Dr. Joseph Mercola noted 10 of the most prevalent toxins in the environment. Pesticides can cause cancer, birth defects, Parkinson’s disease, and they block the absorption of nutrients. They can be found in foods and bug sprays. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) is an organic pollutant that can be found in salmon. Fungal and mold toxins can cause allergic reactions, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. They can be found in some foods and alcohol, as well as contaminated buildings. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) contribute to ozone, and they are in many products such as water, paint, carpets, deodorants, air fresheners, and cosmetics. These can cause headaches and dizziness, irritate the eyes and lungs, and contribute to cancer. Phthalates soften plastics and can leach into our food from plastic wrap and storage containers. These can cause hormonal problems, especially in children. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma (a rare cancer), and it is found in older buildings. Dioxins are from fuels that are burned and can cause skin problems, liver damage, and cancer. They are also found in animal fats. Heavy metals from fish, vaccines, drinking water, pesticides, dental amalgams, and building materials can cause Alzheimer’s, cancers, nausea, and blood vessel damage. Chloroform is used to make other chemicals, and it can be found in the food, air, and water supplies. It can cause liver and kidney damage, headaches, and cancer. Finally, chlorine, found in drinking water and household cleaners, can be an irritant to the eyes, skin, throat, and lungs. It can cause asthma and burns.1

Healthier Water at Home

It is common to hear about the benefits of filtered drinking water, or even filtered cooking water. Pitcher filters, tap filters, and under-the-sink filters are available in many stores and online, and people can typically install those themselves. One water source that may be overlooked, however, is the shower head. Chlorine has benefits of killing germs in the water, but it can be toxic. Chlorine in the shower covers the body’s surface, and it is also inhaled when people bathe. There are now shower-head filters on the market that are very easy to install. There are side benefits noted: softer hair, better lathering, and relief from dry skin and scalp.1

Personal Choices

People can choose not to introduce more toxins into their body. They can avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, drugs, and processed junk foods. They can choose personal care products that limit their exposure to toxic chemicals that can build up over time. People can use home cleaning, painting, and carpeting products that decrease the risk of poor air quality. Putting plants and filters in the home can improve air quality. Using food and drink storage devices that don’t contain harmful chemicals can also help. Exercising, and eating a healthy, plant-based diet, with organic and fresh foods (instead of processed foods with additives and artificial colors and flavors), as well as taking helpful supplements, can also contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Chiropractic Help

Chiropractors advocate overall health and prevention. They may recommend healthier personal choices to their clients. Regular chiropractic adjustments can keep the body in alignment and help the organs and systems function optimally. Some chiropractors may also recommend homeopathic support and detoxification.3