Avoiding Toxins

Avoiding Toxins in the Body

A growing body of evidence shows a link between environmental pollutants and chemical exposure and cognitive, motor and sensory impairments. Scientists believe that this is because of epigenetics. Environmental triggers can switch on or off specific genes without affecting DNA. You can reverse some epigenetic effects by avoiding chemicals and pollutants.

First, remove the source. This step is often overlooked and vital. You cannot reduce the toxic load of the body until you stop introducing harmful toxins to the body.

This article will provide you with a list to watch out for, which typically contains hidden pollutants and chemicals. We will specifically discuss how to avoid the toxins found in:

• Food
• Personal care products
• Home and garden items
• Dental care
• Medication

We do not suggest that you throw away everything in your home. When it comes time to replace them, choose a safer alternative.

Avoiding Toxins In Food

Avoiding pesticides and herbicides as well as genetically modified organisms are among the many toxic substances in food.

There are a few things that need further consideration and investigation. Below is a short description.

Artificial Colors and Dyes

Chemicals made from petroleum are used to make artificial food dyes and colours. They are used by manufacturers to improve the look of many foods, such as condiments and meat.

Why artificial dyes and colours should be avoided:

• Numerous studies have shown that dyes and colours artificially produced can cause hyperactivity or worsen it in children.

Instead, eat:

• Whole, unprocessed food.
• Natural food colours are made from fruits and veggies.

Genetically modified Organisms (GMOs).

A genetically engineered organism (GMO ) is any plant, animal or microorganism whose DNA has been altered in a lab. Scientists developed GMO plants to create plants that would resist insects, herbicides, and insecticides. GMOs are found in many products that we use every day, such as corn, canola and soy products, sugar, potatoes and animal products.

Avoid GMOs for the following reasons:

GMOs have only been around for a short time, so we can’t say with certainty what their impact will be on the human body. The fact that the majority of research that claims GMOs are not harmful comes from studies that were conducted by biotechnology companies that sell them only compounds the problem.

You have a similar number of scientists who are concerned about GMOs. Some examples include:

• A study from 2015 The study shows that goats who are pregnant and fed Monsanto Roundup Ready (r) soybeans will produce less nutritious milk compared to goats who have been fed non-GMO soybeans, thus stunting the growth of their children.
  • The milk was low in fat and protein and also had a low amount of antibodies that are essential for immune and healthy growth.
  • The milk of goats fed GMO soybeans also contained transgenic DNA. The milk of goats fed non-GMO soybeans did not contain transgenic DNA.
• Furthermore, mice studies Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) from GMO plants have negative effects on the immune, GI, liver and kidney systems.
  • This Canadian study showed that 93% of pregnant women had Bt toxins in their bloodstream.
  • Bt toxin is used to protect GMO crops from insects. It kills bugs by causing the gut lining to burst.

Instead:

• Consume only products that are organic or carry a Non-GMO Project Verification tag if you’re in the category of high GMO risk.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS/Fructose/Fructose Syrup/Corn Sugar)

To sweeten processed foods and extend their shelf-life, manufacturers add high fructose corn syrup. They have also begun adding it to honey due to bee shortages.

Avoid HFCS for the following reasons:

• It is made of GMO corn.
• It can also contain mercury, which is a toxin known to cause delays in cognitive development, fine motor skills and speech and language.
  • Manufacturers use several chemicals to produce HFCS including caustic soda and hydrochloric acids.
  • The two chemicals listed above are frequently contaminated with mercury, to the point that they are considered “mercury-grade.”
  • When manufacturers use hydrochloric and caustic soda containing mercury to make HFCS they contaminate it with mercury.
  • Mercury contamination of food products due to the use of HFCS contaminated with mercury is a real possibility.

Use this instead of products that contain high-fructose corn syrup:

• Consume whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, etc.
• Buy products without HFCS.
• Bake your own baked goods (homemade cookies are always better! ).

Juices

Reasons why you should avoid or reduce juice consumption:

• Many fruit juices contain high levels of arsenic and lead. Heavy metals can damage the nervous system and brain, leading to developmental delays, speech problems, behaviour problems, learning difficulties, and an increased risk for certain cancers.
  • You can, for example, In this study, all products had at least one heavy-metal measurable level, and 47% of them had levels that were concerning.
    • Some of the juices contained levels that were high enough to cause harm in children even with just four ounces a day!
    • Organic juices are no safer than conventional ones.

Instead:

• Drink water.
• Click on the link above to see an example of how you can replace contaminated juices.

Large fish

Avoid large fish for the following reasons:

• Fish that are bigger and higher on the food chain accumulate more mercury. They pose a greater threat.
  • For example, the highest mercury levels are found in sharks, king mackerel and tilefish.

Instead:

• Small fish and shellfish are low in mercury.
  • As an example, you can buy shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, catfish, and pollock.
• Do not eat farmed fish. Instead, eat wild-caught salmon.

Preservatives

Preservatives are used by manufacturers to prevent fats from turning rancid and extend the shelf life of food. Preservatives that are commonly used include:

• BHT (butylated Hydroxytoluene).
• BHA (butylated Hydroxyanisole)
• TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone).

Why you should avoid preservatives

• Hyperactivity and behaviour problems can be caused by food additives.
• Food preservation chemicals such as TBHQ may harm the immune system

Instead:

• Fresh foods are best.
• Bake your own baked goods (not only do they taste better but they also make the house smell great)

Nitrites

The manufacturers add nitrites or nitrates to make the bacon, hotdogs, and lunchmeats pinkish and to stop botulism bacteria from growing.

Why you should avoid nitrites or nitrates?

• has been shown to have a potentially carcinogenic effect in many studies.

Instead, eat:

• Bacon, hot dogs and lunchmeat nitrate and nitrite-free

Unfiltered Water

Avoid unfiltered water for the following reasons:

• The water that enters your home travels first through pipes, where it may pick up contaminants.
• Second, tap water contains a high level of chlorine.

Instead:

• It’s the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to filter your water.
• This article will show you how to filter water.

How to Avoid Toxins Around the House

It is important to ensure that your home is free of chemicals and safe for your children, as they spend most of their time at home. We offer these tips to help you avoid toxins at home.

Cleaning Supplies

Why you should be careful with cleaning products:

• Cleaning products often contain chemicals that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The concentrations of VOCs vary. Indoor air pollution is up to 10 times more harmful than outdoor air pollution, both in the short and long term. You can also:
  • Eye and respiratory tract irritation
  • Headaches, nausea, and dizziness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Visual disorders
  • Memory impairment
  • Fatigue
  • Allergic skin reactions
  • Damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system
  • Cancer
• Cleaning products can release harmful VOCs in the air.
  • Tetrachloroethene/Perchloroethylene (TCE/PERC): dry-cleaning solutions, carpet cleaners, spot removers, water repellants, paint removers, wood cleaners, glues, sealants, polishes, and lubricants.
  • 2-Butoxyethanol: Multi-purpose cleaners and stain removers. Window sprays. Paint strippers/thinners.
  • Formaldehyde is found in heavy-duty cleaners, liquid dishwashing, and fabric softeners. Formaldehyde is also found in:
    • Materials for building such as insulation, carpet, plywood (medium-density fibreboard), particleboard (MDF), adhesives and paint
    • Cosmetics
    • Fertilizers & pesticides
  • Chlorine is found in bleach, dishwashing soap, toilet bowl cleaners and mildew-remover.
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC/Quat): disinfectants, sanitisers, surface cleaners, antibacterial soaps, and fabric softeners.

You can use this instead of cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients:

• Soaps and water
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloths
• Vinegar and water mixed for window cleaning
• EWG VERIFIED ™ products

Air Fresheners

Why air fresheners should be avoided:

• Air Fresheners can cause respiratory illness, dermatitis and neurological problems.

Remove household odours instead by:

• Open the windows
• Diffusing essential oils

Fabric Softener

Why you should avoid fabric softeners

• Fabric softeners coat your clothes in a thin, potentially toxic layer of chemicals.
• The harmful ingredients found in liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets have been linked to central nervous system disorders and pancreatic cancer.

Instead, use:

• Use vinegar instead of liquid fabric softener when washing clothes.
  • Add it directly to your fabric softener dispenser.
  • It does not leave an odour.
• Wool dryer balls

Carpet

Carpets: Be cautious!

• Older carpets can contain phthalates, Volatile Organic Compounds and other chemicals that can cause cancer and damage to the nervous system and organs.

Instead, use:

• Carpets with zero and low VOC content.
  • You can find guides on websites like My Chemical Free House or Building Clean.
• Wood, polished concrete (Marmoleum), tile, some types of engineered wood, and wool carpets.
  • Be careful about the sealers and finishes you choose for these products. Many options can be safe, but others may be toxic.

Flame Retardant Pajamas

Pyjamas may be treated with flame retardants. However, many of these flame retardants are woven into the fabric used to make children’s pyjamas.

Avoid pyjamas with flame retardants.

• You can also find out more about the following: Flame retardants and Pajamas that are applied to include endocrine disruptors.
  • Endocrine disruptors interfere with hormones in the body.
• Also, flame retardants have been linked to cancer of the thyroid, hormone irregularities, over-stimulation and cardiovascular disease.

Instead, use:

• Tight-fitting (organic, if possible) cotton pyjamas.

Mattresses

It is essential to choose a non-toxic mattress, as your child will spend half of their life lying on it. This time should be spent resting and detoxifying.

Be cautious when buying mattresses:

• In 2007, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission passed a law requiring mattresses to contain flame retardants. Most mattresses are therefore sprayed down with endocrine disruptors, such as chemical flame retardants.
• Memory Foam is particularly toxic.
  • Walter Bader, author of Toxic Bedrooms, for example, sent several mattresses from Atlanta to a lab. The memory foam mattress was found to emit more than 60 chemicals, including carcinogens such as benzene or naphthalene.

Instead:

• You should look for mattresses with a certification of non-toxicity from a third-party independent, such as
  • MADE SAFE(r)
  • GREENGUARD
  • OEKO-TEX
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• Note: By law, mattresses can contain natural flame retardants like wool.

WiFi

Wi-Fi: Be cautious!

• The body can absorb radiation from WiFi :
  • Long-term radiation exposure can hurt overall health.
  • The short-term effects of WiFi exposure affect sleep, cognition and behaviour.

Reduce your WiFi exposure by:

• Place the tablet in “aeroplane” mode.
• Put as much distance as you can between your router and yourself.
• Switching off WiFi at night is a good idea.

Mould

We understand that mold does not constitute a product but we still feel it deserves to be mentioned in this article as it can hurt children with autism.

Mold: Reasons for caution

• Exposure to toxic mould has been linked with autism.

How do you handle mould?

• Real-Time Mycotoxins Lab can detect mould toxins that may not be visible.
• If you find mould in the room, hire a remediation service and seal it off tightly.

How to Avoid Toxins in the Kitchen

Non-stick Cookware

Avoid non-stick cookware for the following reasons:

• Teflon pans can produce toxic fumes that cause allergies and flu-like symptoms in users. .
  • This study by the EWG shows that non-stick pans release toxic chemicals when heated on high.

Instead, use:

• Cast iron, stainless steel, stone or ceramics.

Avoiding Toxins in the Yard

Chlorine Pools

Why you should be cautious when using chlorine pools:

• The chlorine in swimming pools can cause autism in some children to regress.
• Indoor pools with chlorine can cause asthma in children and damage their airways.
• Disinfection by-products in pool water have risks to human health.
• Swimming in chlorinated pools stress metabolic pathways.

Reduce the impact of chlorine using:

• Try these before you go swimming:
  • Showering is a good way to moisturise the skin.
  • Coconut oil can be used as a barrier to protect the skin from chlorine.
• Try these after swimming:
  • Showering to remove chloride
  • Taking an Epsom salt bath.
• taurine can be used as a supplement to help counteract the effects of chlorine.
• Avoid swimming in outdoor pools to avoid the release of chlorine vapours into the air.

Herbicides and pesticides

Why you should avoid pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals:

• It has been repeatedly proven that pesticide exposure increases the risk of Autism.
  • In This Study, for example, researchers measured the levels of 25 chemicals (in blood and urine) in samples taken from 1,861 Canadian mothers during their first trimester. They found that there was a direct correlation between autism and environmental toxicants.
  • This study shows that prenatal pesticide exposure within 2000 meters of the mother’s home during pregnancy increases the risk of autism.
  • Likewise, Autism has been linked with DDT.
    • DDT was a pesticide banned in Europe and the US in 1986. It is found in trace quantities in food, but it has not been banned in other countries that import their foods to the US.
  • Studies have shown that gut microbes are altered by maternal glyphosate exposure and autism is more likely to occur.
    • The ingredient of Round-Up, glyphosate, is a toxin that has entered our ecosystem.
    • This study shows high levels of glyphosate in the oat cereals sold to children.

Instead, you can use:

• Buy organic and know where your food comes from.
• Use eco-friendly lawn and garden products.

Avoiding Toxins In Personal Care Items

The largest organ of the body is the skin. You should be careful with what you apply to it because it contains cells that can be damaged by chemicals.

Avoid products that contain parabens phthalates and triclosan when shopping for personal care products. It can be difficult to avoid these toxins in shampoos, conditioners and soaps. If you use the EWG Skin Deep guide when shopping, you can reduce your exposure.

Parabens

Manufacturers add parabens to personal care products to protect them from mould and bacteria, thus extending the shelf life. Parabens can be found in soap, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, sunscreens, deodorants, toothpaste, makeups, and many other products.

Why you should avoid parabens

• They mimic the estrogen that is found in the body.
• Breast Cancer has been linked with paraben exposure.

Buy products that contain less parabens to limit your exposure.

• Paraben-free products that contain natural preservatives.
  • For example, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or isobutylparaben.
• Preservative-free products. Use them quickly, as they have a shelf life of six to twelve months.
• Products that are anhydrous (without any water), such as shampoos and bar soaps.

Phthalates

They also make plastic more flexible. They also make plastic more elastic.

Reasons to avoid phthalates

• These are endocrine disruptions, particularly when it comes to males.

Limit exposure by:

• Reduce your use of perfumed products
• Avoid products without a clear label indicating the source of the fragrance
• Avoid products that contain DEP or DBP. Also, avoid fragrances and perfumes.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Why you should be careful when choosing a shampoo and conditioner:

• These products can contain fragrances, parabens and phthalates.

Instead:

• Buy one of the many hair products available.

Cosmetics

Why you should be careful when buying cosmetics:

• These products can contain harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates. They may also contain fragrances or triclosan.

Lotions such as Eucerin Aquaphor Vaseline and Vicks Vapor Rub

Be cautious when using lotions such as Eucerin, Aquaphor and Vicks Vapor Rub.

• These products can contain fragrances, parabens and phthalates.
• Some contain petroleum, which is a derivative of oil refining.

Instead:

• To avoid parabens and phthalates as well as triclosan, follow the above suggestions.
• Make your own Vapor Rub at home with this recipe.

Antiperspirants & Deodorants

Antiperspirants block sweat glands to stop perspiration. Deodorants, on the other hand, protect against odour without protecting against perspiration.

Avoid antiperspirants for the following reasons:

• Aluminum is the active ingredient that stops your sweat glands.
  • Aluminium can affect the way estrogen is produced or reacted to by the body.
  • Interestingly, over 50% of all breast cancers begin in the upper outer quadrant located near the underarm area – the exact place where antiperspirant is applied.

Deodorants: Be cautious!

• These products may contain harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates.

Instead antiperspirant:

• Use a safe deodorant
  • This article offers alternatives to the Skin Deep website.

Lice Treatments

Be cautious when treating lice:

• The use of pesticides to treat head lice has been linked with neurological disorders and even cancer in children.

Instead:

• A health food store sells a safe treatment for lice.
• Use an olive oil and lice comb to remove and suffocate lice.

Traditional Sunscreens

Why you should avoid conventional sunscreens

• In 2020, a study showed that the six active ingredients of sunscreen are absorbed by the bloodstream after just one use.
  • The study showed that the active ingredients remained in the body over a long period.

Instead of conventional sunblocks:

• Select a sunscreen that contains a high percentage of zinc oxide, and has simple ingredients.
• Consider wearing rash guards.

Fragrances and perfumes

Why you should avoid perfumes and fragrances:

• These products often contain phthalates.
• Perfume contains petrochemicals. The EWG also reports that, on average, fragrance products tested contained 14 chemicals that were not listed on their labels. Many of these chemicals contribute to hormonal disruption and allergic reactions.

Limit exposure to harmful chemicals in perfumes and fragrances:

• Avoid buying products that only list “fragrance” as the only information.
• Use essential oils.

Dental Care

Fluoride and amalgam fillings are two of the toxins that you should avoid in dental treatments.

Dental Amalgam Fillings

Dentists use dental amalgams to fill cavities.

Reasons to avoid amalgam fillings

• These toys contain approximately 50% mercury. Mercury is a toxin that can cause delays in cognitive development, fine motor skills and speech and language.

Instead, use:

• Composite fillings.

Fluoride in toothpaste and treatments

Fluoride and its effects on health:

• Fluoride blocks iodine receptors The thyroid gland is a very important organ.
  • It is chronic fluoride toxicity that causes concern, not acute fluoride toxic effects. In other words, chronic toxicity occurs over long periods from consumption of fluoride-contaminated water, fluoride toothpaste, and other fluoride-containing products.
• 67 studies link fluoride to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Instead, consider:

• It is an anti-cavity agent that has been proven. It is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in plants.
• Fluoride-free toothpaste.

Avoiding Toxins In Medications

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications are contaminated with toxins that we should avoid. It’s therefore important to weigh the risks and benefits of all the options with your child’s physician.

Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol (Tylenol),

Why you should be cautious when using Tylenol

• Acetaminophen inhibits detoxification pathways in the liver and lowers glutathione – the body’s largest anti-oxidant.
• A study also shows that children under 2 years of age who were exposed to Tylenol and other factors are at a higher risk for autism.
• a study funded by NIH in 2019 out of Johns Hopkins University found that acetaminophen during pregnancy increased the risk of ADHD or autism.

Instead, consider:

• This is one of the safer alternatives we have in our Sickness Prevention and Treatment Options Article.

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Why you should be cautious when using pharmaceutical drugs:

• Fluoride, dyes and additives are found in many prescription drugs.
  • Fluoride is found in many drugs including antidepressants and antibiotics.
    • This is a list both of over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications that contain fluoride.
• Regular lab tests to monitor liver health are part of ongoing care.

Instead, consider:

• Ask a local pharmacy to compound your child’s medications without dyes or additives.