Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Remove PFAS From Your Life
At present, there are a growing number of products with forever chemicals. Forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a large group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to degradation. This means that they do not break down easily in the environment and persist for a long time. These chemicals are found in non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, food packaging, personal care products, and even firefighting foam.
Forever chemicals have been linked to numerous health issues, including hormone disruption, liver damage, reproductive issues, and immune system disorders so it is best to avoid them at all costs.
Forever Chemicals Are Linked To Liver Damage
Studies have shown that exposure to forever chemicals are linked to liver damage. One study conducted on rats found that exposure to PFOA resulted in oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, leading to liver damage. Another study on human cell lines showed that PFOS exposure caused cellular changes in the liver, increasing the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).1 2
Forever Chemicals Are Linked To Thyroid Disease
Research has shown that exposure to PFAS chemicals disrupt the normal function of the thyroid gland. These chemicals interfere with hormone production and affect the thyroid’s ability to regulate metabolism. There is also a link between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.3
The effects of PFAS on the thyroid gland are particularly concerning because even low levels of exposure can have a significant impact. This is due to the fact that these chemicals accumulate in the body over time, and their half-lives range from 2.3 to 8.5 years. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it leads to various health problems, including weight gain or loss, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues.4
Forever Chemicals Are Linked To Reproductive Issues
Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS disrupt hormone levels and interfere with normal reproductive processes in both men and women.
In men, PFAS exposure has been linked to decreased sperm quality and quantity, as well as lower testosterone levels. These chemicals have also been found to affect the development of male reproductive organs in animal studies.5
In women, PFAS exposure has been associated with menstrual irregularities, delayed puberty, and reduced fertility. Additionally, some studies have suggested a possible link between PFAS exposure and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.6
The potential effects of PFAS exposure on reproductive health extend beyond the individuals directly exposed. Studies have shown that these chemicals pass through the placenta during pregnancy and are transferred through breast milk, exposing developing fetuses and newborns.7
Exposure to PFAS in early life has been linked to developmental delays, growth deficits, and other health issues in children. It is also a concern for future generations as these chemicals will continue to pose a threat to reproductive health for decades.8
Forever Chemicals Are Linked To Immune System Disorders
A study published found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood were associated with decreased immune function. Another study found that PFAS exposure was linked to an increased risk for autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells.9 10
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Non-Stick Cookware
Teflon and other similar non-stick coatings contain forever chemicals. These chemicals are used to prevent food from sticking to the surface of the cookware, but they are released into the air and food when heated. Healthier options include cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic cookware.11
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Water-Repellent Clothing
Outdoor gear such as rain jackets, tents, and backpacks often contain PFAS to make them water-resistant. However, these chemicals leach into the environment when washed or disposed of improperly. Healthier options include natural materials like cotton, wool, and hemp that are biodegradable and don’t cause harm to the environment.12
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Stain-Resistant Carpets And Furniture
Similar to non-stick cookware, carpets and furniture treated with stain-resistant coatings contain PFAS. These chemicals are released into the air or absorbed through skin contact. Healthier options include natural materials like wood, wool, cotton, or silk.13
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Microwave Popcorn Bags
The lining of microwave popcorn bags often contain PFAS to prevent grease from leaking out. When heated, these chemicals can migrate to the popcorn and be ingested. If you have an insatiable craving for popcorn, only use organic corn and make it on the stove the old fashion way.14
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Fast Food Wrappers And Containers
Many fast food wrappers and containers like pizza boxes are coated with a layer of PFAS to make them waterproof. This means that when you eat fast food, you are also consuming small amounts of these harmful chemicals. Ideally, avoid fast food completely and instead consume organic, whole foods that don’t come in wrappers.15
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Dental Floss
Some brands of dental floss contain PFAS to make them glide more easily between teeth. This is something I recently learned and since then, I stopped using commercial floss products that contain forever chemicals. A healthier option is bamboo floss.16
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Cleaning Products
Some cleaning products, including stain removers and carpet cleaners, often contain PFAS. This means that while you are cleaning your home, you are also exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. Healthier cleaning options include using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.17
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Personal Care Products
Some personal care products, such as shampoos, lotions, feminine products, and band-aids often contain PFAS. Healthier personal care products include those that are organic, natural, and free of harmful chemicals.18
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals – Firefighting Foam
Certain types of firefighting foam contain PFAS to help extinguish fires. However, this also means that these chemicals end up in groundwater and contaminate drinking water sources. A better option is to use fluorine-free foams, which do not contain PFAS and are just as effective in fighting fires.19
Removing Forever Chemicals From The Body With My 5Rs
Toxins like forever chemicals build up in the body over time, causing a continuous increase in health problems. These toxins result in cellular membrane inflammation, hormone resistance, and detrimental epigenetic expression. The 5Rs method focuses on removing these PFAS chemicals from our daily routines and removing them from the body to enable normal metabolic function again.
R1 – Removing The Source
Removing the source of toxins like forever chemicals from our lives by avoiding products that contain them is the first step to reducing the harm this poison has on our bodies. Making lifestyle changes that focus on using natural products free of PFAS chemicals and consuming a diet of whole, organic foods goes a long way in reducing overall toxin exposure.
R2 – Regenerating The Cellular Membrane
Since PFAS chemicals cause cellular membrane inflammation, we must go about restoring cellular function by consuming a diet rich in healthy omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to repair the phospholipids that have been damaged by forever chemicals. In addition, there are select nutraceuticals that are included in the Pompa Program that restore cellular membrane function.20
R3 – Restoring Cellular Energy
When toxins become lodged within our cellular membranes and make their way into the cells themselves, they reduce the efficiency of the mitochondria. This causes levels of ATP and glutathione to drop. Glutathione is a crucially important antioxidant required in detoxification. Without enough ATP and glutathione, toxins build up in our cells, causing cumulative damage.21 22
R4 – Downregulating Cell Membrane Inflammation
In combination with restoring cellular membrane function, we must also downregulate persistent cellular membrane inflammation. There is a feedback cycle called the NO/ONOO cycle that allows cellular membrane inflammation to continue even after we remove toxins like forever chemicals from our bodies. Nutraceuticals provided by the Pompa Program end this inflammatory cycle.23
R5 – Restoring Methylation
As toxins drain on our cellular processes, they reduce the amount of methyl groups available. Methyl groups play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The process of methylation turns on and off specific genes. By providing methyl donors, we are able to support optimal epigenetic function and turn off genes that are linked with disease.24
Avoid Products With Forever Chemicals
My 5Rs provides a holistic approach to dealing with forever chemicals and restoring cellular function. To learn even more about the 5Rs, join me in my free webinar or read more about what is causing mysterious health issues.
References
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