How To Identify And Stay Away From Super Toxins Like PFAS Chemicals
There are a certain class of toxins that I call “super toxins” because they are extremely dangerous to our health and are the driving factor behind many degenerative diseases. As these toxins pour into our body, our bucket of stressors fills up and overflows, resulting in a wide range of health symptoms. These super toxins include forever chemicals (PFAS), chemicals in plastic, small plastic particles called microplastics, heavy metals, and the pesticide glyphosate.
In today’s blog, we will discuss PFAS chemicals. Tomorrow we will focus on the super toxins found in plastics and on Thursday, we will discuss the harm heavy metals and glyphosate have on our health.
I discuss all these super toxins in my free webinar so if you haven’t seen that yet, feel free to check it out now.
Super Toxins And The Overflowing Bucket Analogy
Our bodies are capable of handling a wide range of stressors all at once, but there comes a certain point where the cumulative effect of super toxins takes over and causes dysfunction systemically.
Just like the movie, The Perfect Storm, a combination of three storms combined into one creates a super storm that sinks boats and wreaks havoc on the coastline. Typically, I find that most people require at least three major stressors to cause their bucket of stressors to overflow and result in health symptoms.
We have been accumulating stressors our whole life and even before we were born. As these stressors slowly drip into our bucket, they begin to fill it up. If we aren’t able to remove some of these stressors from our bucket and make a hole at the bottom of the bucket to allow stressors to flow out, eventually it overflows.
The moment the bucket of stressors overflows is when problems immediately manifest. The problem is that super toxins have disabled our cellular detoxification pathways so the hole at the bottom of our stressor bucket becomes plugged.
However, we don’t have only one bucket of stressors, but around 70 trillion little buckets that represent every cell in our body. All of these cellular buckets need to be emptied to the point where they can take on stressors, yet don’t overflow and cause mysterious health symptoms.
Think of it this way, if you took a full glass of water and shook it a little bit it would undoubtedly spill all over the floor. However, if the glass only contained a small amount of liquid at the bottom, you could shake it vigorously and it still wouldn’t overflow. In the same fashion, we are able to put far more stress on our cells if they are dealing with stressors efficiently.
To enable cellular detoxification, we must repair cellular function. The premise is, when we continue to fill ourselves up with super toxins and are unable to remove these toxins from our cells, we eventually get to the point of no return. When the stressor bucket overflows, mysterious health illnesses develop as well as degenerative diseases.
Super Toxins – PFAS
The presence of PFAS in our environment is a significant concern, as these synthetic chemicals persist in the human body. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” their ubiquity in everyday products and contamination of water sources has led to numerous detrimental health effects. In fact, a staggering 97% of Americans have PFAS substances present in their bloodstreams, solidifying the pressing need for action against these chemicals.1
PFAS are known for their resistance to heat, water, and grease, making them popular in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foam, and more.2
PFAS have been linked to numerous health issues like developmental delays and thyroid disease.3 4
PFAS Alternatives Are No Better
The use of alternative PFAS compounds, including perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and GenX, has been on the rise in recent years. Marketed as safer alternatives to PFOA and PFOS, these compounds have been found to have similar toxic effects on human health. Additionally, they are also persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in living organisms.5
Recent research has shown that exposure to GenX leads to liver damage in mice, comparable to the effects of PFOA. Other studies have linked PFBS and PFHxS to reproductive and developmental issues in animals.6 7
PFAS Are In The Water
The public water systems have been found to contain high levels of PFAS. Drinking water is the primary source of PFAS exposure. One effective method to reduce exposure to PFAS is investing in a water filter that specifically targets and removes these harmful chemicals.8
While there are various types of filters available, such as activated carbon filtration, ion exchange, and advanced oxidation processes, the most recommended option is reverse osmosis. This process uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS.
PFAS In Cookware
Non-stick cookware has become a popular choice in many kitchens due to its convenience and ease of use. However, PFAS chemicals leach into food when using non-stick cookware, especially when the surface becomes scratched or damaged.9
To reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals, it’s important to opt for alternative cookware options. Stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic cookware are all great alternatives that do not contain PFAS chemicals. These materials provide a safe and effective way to cook your meals without the risk of harmful chemical exposure.
PFAS In Personal Hygiene Products
PFAS are found in personal hygiene items like toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant. The main purpose of adding PFAS to these products is to make them water-resistant and more durable.
Moreover, the cosmetic industry has also been utilizing PFAS to create a smooth and flawless application. Popular cosmetics such as foundation, blush, lip liner, and eyeshadow often contain PFAS.10
PFAS In Food Packaging
One study found that over 70% of fast food containers, pizza boxes, and microwave popcorn bags tested positive for PFAS. This means that every time we consume food from these types of packaging, we are ingesting small amounts of PFAS.11
Microwave popcorn is the biggest offender. The bags used to microwave popcorn are lined with PFOA and PFOS. Additionally, the artificial butter flavoring used in many microwave popcorn brands contains diacetyl, a chemical that has been linked to lung damage when inhaled, leading to a condition known as Popcorn Lung.12
PFAS Entering Our Food Supply
PFAS have been found in Australian vegetables, posing an unexpected threat to our daily food consumption. Furthermore, the same study highlighted that young girls between the ages of 4 and 8 are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals.13
In a public announcement on May 30, 2024, authorities issued a warning about consuming fish from the Oxbow, a body of water connected to the Connecticut River in Northampton and Easthampton, Massachusetts. This cautionary measure was put into place after tests revealed high levels of PFAS in fish caught from the Oxbow, raising serious concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming these contaminated fish.14
PFAS chemicals were found in beef grown by a farmer in Michigan who unknowingly used biosolids on his crops that he used to feed his livestock. This discovery revealed that PFAS are present in fertilizers, particularly biosolids.15
PFAS In Cleaning Supplies
Household cleaning products often contain PFAS in order to maintain their non-stick properties. These chemicals are commonly found in stain resistant sprays or carpet cleaners, as they help repel stains and keep surfaces looking clean for extended periods of time. To minimize exposure to PFAS, consider using natural alternatives for cleaning, such as baking soda and vinegar, instead of harsh chemical cleaners.16
PFAS In Carpets And Furniture
PFAS are commonly found in carpets and furniture due to their stain-resistant properties. These chemicals are often used in the manufacturing process of these items to create a barrier against spills and stains, making them more durable and long-lasting. Instead of carpets, opt for hardwood floors which not only look stylish but also have a longer lifespan. Similarly, choose leather furniture instead of upholstered pieces treated with PFAS to reduce your exposure to these chemicals.17
PFAS In Clothes
Many well-known clothing and shoe companies utilize PFAS in order to produce water-resistant or stain-resistant items. For example, various products, such as raincoats, outdoor gear, and even athletic wear like yoga pants contain PFAS. Consider opting for materials like organic cotton or wool which do not require chemical treatments.18
Avoid Super Toxins And Repair Cellular Damage
The 5Rs approach provides a comprehensive strategy to tackle the cellular damage caused by super toxins by removing them from our lives and repairing cellular damage.
R1 – Remove The Source Of PFAS
The first step, R1, in the 5Rs approach involves identifying and eliminating sources of PFAS chemicals in our environment. This could include things like avoiding tap water, avoiding Teflon cookware, eating organic food, and using natural products.
R2 – Regenerating The Cellular Membranes
The health of our cellular membranes plays a crucial role in various bodily processes, including nutrient absorption and waste removal. However, exposure to toxins like PFAS chemicals leads to inflammation in these membranes, hindering their function. With the use of nutraceuticals, we can regenerate cellular membranes.19
R3 – Boosting ATP Production
R3 focuses on increasing ATP production. This important energy molecule is essential for optimal cellular functioning and aids in removing toxins from within our cells. With enough ATP, we create glutathione needed to optimize detoxification.20
R4 – Reducing Cellular Membrane Inflammation
Even after removing toxins, inflammation in cellular membranes persists due to the NO/ONOO cycle. To combat this, nutraceuticals are utilized to effectively decrease inflammation levels back to normal.21
R5 – Reestablishing Methylation
R5 addresses the crucial process of methylation within our cells. This biochemical process involves the transfer of a methyl group (CH3) and is responsible for producing essential compounds like proteins, DNA, and neurotransmitters.
Disruptions in methylation occur due to exposure to harmful chemicals like PFAS. However, through the use of methyl donors, we can restore proper methylation patterns and support epigenetic regulation. This plays a significant role in determining gene expression, reducing the risk of degenerative diseases.22
To learn even more about super toxins and my 5Rs, join me in my free webinar or read more about what is causing the increase in thyroid disorders.
References
1 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) | US EPA. (2024, April 25). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
2 Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) Factsheet | National Biomonitoring Program | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html
3 Fenton SE, Ducatman A, Boobis A, DeWitt JC, Lau C, Ng C, Smith JS, Roberts SM. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research. Environ Toxicol Chem. 2021 Mar;40(3):606-630. doi: 10.1002/etc.4890. Epub 2020 Dec 7. PMID: 33017053; PMCID: PMC7906952.
4 Coperchini F, Croce L, Ricci G, Magri F, Rotondi M, Imbriani M, Chiovato L. Thyroid Disrupting Effects of Old and New Generation PFAS. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jan 19;11:612320. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.612320. PMID: 33542707; PMCID: PMC7851056.
5 EPA: GenX Nearly as toxic as notorious Non-Stick Chemicals it replaced. (2018, November 14). Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/epa-genx-nearly-toxic-notorious-non-stick-chemicals-it-replaced
6 Wan G, Zhang Z, Chen J, Li M, Li J. GenX caused liver injury and potential hepatocellular carcinoma of mice via drinking water even at environmental concentration. Environ Pollut. 2024 Apr 1;346:123574. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123574. Epub 2024 Feb 14. PMID: 38365076.
7 Zhang QY, Xu LL, Zhong MT, Chen YK, Lai MQ, Wang Q, Xie XL. Gestational GenX and PFOA exposures induce hepatotoxicity, metabolic pathway, and microbiome shifts in weanling mice. Sci Total Environ. 2024 Jan 10;907:168059. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168059. Epub 2023 Oct 24. PMID: 37884144.
8 Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Steps to Protect Communities from PFAS and Other Emerging Chemicals of Concern | US EPA. (2024, February 1). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-new-steps-protect-communities-pfas-and-other
9 Brennan NM, Evans AT, Fritz MK, Peak SA, von Holst HE. Trends in the Regulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 17;18(20):10900. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182010900. PMID: 34682663; PMCID: PMC8536021.
10 Study: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ widespread across many cosmetics categories. (2021, June 15). Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/study-toxic-forever-chemicals-widespread-across-many-cosmetics
11 Seltenrich N. PFAS in Food Packaging: A Hot, Greasy Exposure. Environ Health Perspect. 2020 May;128(5):54002. doi: 10.1289/EHP6335. Epub 2020 May 28. PMID: 32463326; PMCID: PMC7255411.
12 Allen JG, Flanigan SS, LeBlanc M, Vallarino J, MacNaughton P, Stewart JH, Christiani DC. Flavoring Chemicals in E-Cigarettes: Diacetyl, 2,3-Pentanedione, and Acetoin in a Sample of 51 Products, Including Fruit-, Candy-, and Cocktail-Flavored E-Cigarettes. Environ Health Perspect. 2016 Jun;124(6):733-9. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1510185. Epub 2015 Dec 8. PMID: 26642857; PMCID: PMC4892929.
13 Liu, S., Duan, L., Shi, F., Filippelli, G.M. and Naidu, R. (2024), Concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in vegetables from Sydney and Newcastle, Australia. J Sci Food Agric. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13491
14 Lewis, A. (2024, May 30). DPH advises people to limit eating fish from Oxbow after elevated levels of PFAS found in samples. Daily Hampshire Gazette. https://www.gazettenet.com/Oxbow-Pond-Fish-Consumption-Advisory-55337655
15 This farmer’s livelihood was ruined by PFAS-contaminated fertilizer that few Midwest states test for. (2024, May 30). KBIA. https://www.kbia.org/missouri-news/2024-05-30/this-farmers-livelihood-was-ruined-by-pfas-contaminated-fertilizer-that-few-midwest-states-test-for
16 Kotthoff M, Müller J, Jürling H, Schlummer M, Fiedler D. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in consumer products. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2015 Oct;22(19):14546-59. doi: 10.1007/s11356-015-4202-7. Epub 2015 Feb 19. PMID: 25854201; PMCID: PMC4592498.
17 Anna S. Young, Heidi M. Pickard, Elsie M. Sunderland, and Joseph G. Allen Environmental Science & Technology 2022 56 (23), 17090-17099 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05198
18 New tests find toxic “forever chemicals” in bedding, yoga pants and other textiles. (2022, January 26). Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/01/new-tests-find-toxic-forever-chemicals-bedding-yoga-pants-and-other
19 Gu C, Philipsen MH, Ewing AG. Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids Alter the Membrane Lipid Composition and Vesicle Size to Regulate Exocytosis and Storage of Catecholamines. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2024 Feb 21;15(4):816-826. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00741. Epub 2024 Feb 12. PMID: 38344810; PMCID: PMC10884999.
20 Zolkipli-Cunningham Z, Falk MJ. Clinical effects of chemical exposures on mitochondrial function. Toxicology. 2017 Nov 1;391:90-99. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.07.009. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28757096; PMCID: PMC6078194.
21 Pall M. L. (2013). The NO/ONOO-cycle as the central cause of heart failure. International journal of molecular sciences, 14(11), 22274–22330. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141122274
22 Dhar GA, Saha S, Mitra P, Nag Chaudhuri R. DNA methylation and regulation of gene expression: Guardian of our health. Nucleus (Calcutta). 2021;64(3):259-270. doi: 10.1007/s13237-021-00367-y. Epub 2021 Aug 16. PMID: 34421129; PMCID: PMC8366481.
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