The world today is full of toxins and chemicals. There have been reports based on data collected that in every human being alive, no matter where they live, they have at minimum over 250 chemicals in their tissues. That’s a lot of chemicals, and that’s supposed to be the conservative estimate. Why do toxins matter? The amount of toxins we are exposed to matters, because our toxic load can have a very profound effect on the physiology of our body. Noticed how more children are being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD? Studies show 82% of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients with the potential to harm the brain and nervous system (EWG, 2013). If you harm the brain and the nervous system, there is going to be a change in a child’s behavior and their ability to focus. These effects can be more pronounced in children because their bodies are developing and growing, but this does not mean that adults are unaffected by these levels of chemicals. Thyroid dysfunction and disease for example has become more common, particularly in women. According to a 2006 report by the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS/NRC) fluoride was identified as a potent hormone disruptor that may affect normal thyroid function. The potency of fluoride is illustrated by the fact that until the 1970s, European doctors used fluoride as a thyroid-suppressing medication for patients with over active thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Today, people living in communities with fluoridated tap water are ingesting doses of fluoride that fall within the range of doses once used by doctors to reduce thyroid activity in hyperthyroid patients (NRC 2006). Almost every system in our body can be affected by chemicals. Other common conditions that have links to toxin levels include:
What can we do?
This may sound like a hopeless situation that we can do nothing about, but that simply is not true. Even one person, has the ability to change the world around them. The following are some suggestions for making a difference: 1. Eat Organic The power of your purchases makes a bigger difference than you think. When you make the choice to buy organic, you’re sending the message that your health is important to you and you want things to change. The more people there are making this kind of stand, shows the policy makers that organic and toxins is an issue people care about so they should too if they want to get elected to office. If budget is a concern, look for the deals and prioritizing your organics. Look at the Environmental Working Group’s Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen list as a starting point: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/. 2. Use Environmentally Friendly Products There are many commercially available products that use no chemicals in their cleaning products. Consider replacing your soap, cleaners, and laundry detergent with more environmentally friendly counterparts. It's also easy to make your own, and there are many recipes easily available online using ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard. 3. Check Your Cosmetics/Personal Hygiene Products Many cosmetics and personal grooming products have all kinds of chemicals and toxins as their ingredients. Look at the labels on your products and consider buying from sources that do not use these chemicals. Environmental Working Group is a good source for checking your cosmetic products for dangerous chemicals. 4. Petition Your local Government Representative Things don’t change unless we indicate to our government officials that an issue is important to the public at large. If you want to see Canada making tougher policies on how much pesticides and chemicals can be used on your food and in your products, you have to make sure that your local representative knows about it. Whether it’s writing a letter or organizing an event, just standing by and waiting for someone else to do something is not going to make a change. Resources: Environmental Working Group. 2013. Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors. www.ewg.org/research/ dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors. National Research Council. 2006. Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of the EPA’s Standards. http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11571
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Cold and Flu season stats Over 200 different viruses cause influenza and influenza-like illness (fever, headaches, aches and pains, coughs, runny nose). Without doing lab testing, it is very difficult for doctors to determine the difference between the two. Both last for days and rarely lead to death or serious illness. According to a recent Cochrane review, the flu vaccine might only be effective against Influenza A and B, which represents about 10% of all circulating viruses (Jefferson et al, 2013). The authors’ conclusion from that review was, “Influenza vaccines have a modest effect in reducing influenza symptoms and working days lost. There is no evidence that they affect complications, such as pneumonia, or transmission.” (Jefferson et al., 2013). Period of contagiousness You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time. How flu spreads Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose. What Can We Do? There are many things we can do to help prevent illness throughout the winter season. Basic Strategies: 1)Eat fresh whole foods: Eating a variety of fresh whole foods including plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables is essential to proper immune function 2)Avoid refined sugars, trans fats and salt: These foods are known to weaken the immune system. 3)Increase your consumption of vitamin C containing foods: Vitamin C is known to boost immune function and help prevent cold and flus. Increase vitamin C containing foods such as: oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, raspberries, black currants, peppers, spring greens, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. 4)Eat more garlic and onions: Garlic and onions both have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, helping the body to fight off any germs it may come into contact with. (Raw consumption provides a greater benefit than cooked) 5)Drink up: Ensuring you are adequately hydrated will help enhance your immune system. Aim for half your weight in fluid ounces. (ex. If you weigh 150lbs, you should consume 75oz. of water a day) 6)Sleep, Sleep, Sleep: Ensure you are getting around 8 hrs of sleep per night and you are sleeping soundly. Too little non-restorative sleep is known to weaken the immune system. 7)Exercise: Engage in at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day. Exercise helps to increase circulation and lympathic flow, both of which help boost the immune system. 8)Breathe: Practice deep breathing exercises to help manage stress. High stress, fear, and worry can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. 9)Wash hands: Wash your hands frequently using warm water and a natural anti-bacterial soap to prevent the spread of infection. 10)Cover your Cough: Cough or sneeze into your sleeve to prevent spreading infection and avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes until hands are washed. Herbal Teas In a Harvard study, they found that people who drank 5 cups a day of black tea for 2 weeks had 10 times more virus-fighting interferon in their blood than others who drank a placebo hot drink. The amino acid responsible for this immune boost, L-theanine, is abundant in both black and green tea—decaf versions have it, too. Your optimal dose: Several cups daily. To get up to five times more antioxidants from your tea bags, bob them up and down while you brew.
Note: This information is not meant to replace the advice of a trained practitioner. In order to formulate a proper treatment plan, you should consult with your Naturopathic Doctor or other health care provider. Resources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Seasonal Influenza: Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Formulation and Preparation of Herbal Medicines. Healing Arts Press. Print. Jefferson et al. (2013). Vaccines to prevent influenza in health adults. http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD001269/vaccines-to-prevent-influenza-in-healthy-adults. Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors. (2013). Staying Healthy in Cold and Flu Season. http://www.oand.org/staying-healthy-in-cold-and-flu-season/ Public Health Agency of Canada. (Nov 2, 2013). Flu Watch: Influenza/ILI Activity (geographic spread). http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fluwatch/13-14/w44_13/pdf/fw2013-44-eng.pdf |
Sarah Connors
I am a Naturopathic Doctor and Doula providing care in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. I have a passion for helping people with their health issues and improving the birth experience for Moms, and their babies. I also have a life long love affair with soccer, curling, and the alto saxophone. Archives
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