Environmental Toxins and Health

Environmental Toxins

The philosophy of chiropractic care is aimed to provide preventative and overall health care to patients. Care covers a variety of problems that the patient might face. This can include reducing stress, exercise, promoting a healthy diet, and removing toxins. Toxins might be found in a variety of forms, in the air, water, and in products used and consumed every day by average people. With allergies and environmental sensitivities on the rise, chiropractic care could assist with a healthy lifestyle. 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 could be found in foods and bug sprays. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) is an organic pollutant that can be found in salmon. Fungal and mold toxins could 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 may leach into our food from plastic wrap and storage containers. These could cause hormonal problems, especially in children. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma (a rare cancer), and it is found in older buildings, prior to changes in building codes. 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 might 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. With toxins all around them every day, there are fortunately some options for patients to counteract their negative effects.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 typically have the capability to 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 many side benefits noted by those who have used showerhead filters, such as softer hair, better lathering, and relief from dry skin and scalp.²

Personal Choices

People can also choose not to introduce more toxins into their body. These toxins would not otherwise occur naturally outside of voluntary use. Patients might choose to abstain from alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, drugs, and processed junk foods to avoid the negative effects on health and wellbeing that these toxins have. They can also choose personal care products that limit their exposure to toxic chemicals that can build up over time. Some products sacrifice prolonged exposure safety to be cheaper, which is why many patients unknowingly introduce toxins to their body regularly. People can use home cleaning, painting, and carpeting products that decrease the risk of poor air quality. Many aerosol sprays are very harmful and do damage to the ozone and the body. Putting plants and filters in the home may also contribute to the improvement of air quality, both in the home and outside. Using food and drink storage devices that do not contain harmful chemicals, such as using glass storage containers to hold food rather than plastic, 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. A diet that contains little-to-no animal products is healthier for both the environment, the animals, and the body and mind in both the short term and long run. Additionally, minimizing overall waste by making cleaning supplies at home and reducing consumption of non-recyclable packaged products saves the environment and the wallet.

Chiropractic Help

Chiropractors advocate overall health and prevention. They may have recommendations of healthier personal choices for their patients to start them on the right track. 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