Modern living can be extremely taxing on the human body. We are constantly inundated by harmful toxins and chemicals in the air, in the food we eat and on surfaces we touch. It is unfortunately an unavoidable circumstance, but we can make steps to reduce the amount of toxins in our daily lives. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress published an article titled “How to Start Tackling Toxic Load” that begins to clear up this picture a bit.

Toxic load or ‘body burden’ is defined as the accumulative effect of all the harmful chemicals that our bodies are exposed to. The World Health Organization (WHO) cites over 160 million known chemicals, with roughly 40,000-60,000 of them regularly found in commercial marketplaces. The Environmental Protection Agency currently lists 85,000 chemicals in a substances inventory under the Toxic Substances Control Act, of which many have not been thoroughly tested. Total load is a more nuance and holistic look at the issues impacting the human body. This includes not only toxic load but also considers factors such as mental health, hormonal imbalances and dietary habits.

Some of the possible symptoms that may indicate a high toxic load include:

  • Joint pain
  • Fatigue, ranging from mild to chronic
  • Sinus congestion or dripping
  • Headaches or migraines
  • GI issues
  • Heartburn
  • Sleep challenges
  • Dark under-eye circles
  • Foggy brain
  • Auto-immune disease
  • Skin problems (rash, canker sores, psoriasis, eczema, acne)
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Heart disease
  • Halitosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Food allergies
  • Mood disorders
  • Dementia and similar illness

Resetting the Body

 The body has natural systems in place to rid itself of toxins, but sometimes those detoxification systems are presented with more than they can filter out. It is then necessary to take steps to help our bodies do what they do best, by facilitating healing through removing as many interferences to it as possible.

Starting steps to detox the body include:

  1. Identify and remove harmful toxins from your environment as much as possible.
  2. Restore gut health to improve the body’s ability to self-detox. The microbes in the gut and liver must be balanced, as it is a common source of toxic load for many people.
  3. Exercise on a regular schedule to support the lymphatic system and healthy blood circulation. Five days a week of a mix of cardio, stretching and strengthening exercises is a good basis to strive toward.
  4. Self-care is a must. Your state of mind impacts your overall well-being just as much as any other interference to whole health. Intense feelings, such as sadness, depression, irritability or anger, can contribute to internal toxins forming.
  5. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Replenish your body with clean, filtered water with 8-10 glasses per day minimum as a goal. It is best to avoid or minimize consumption of soda, caffeine and alcoholic beverages. In the morning, drink a glass of room temperature water with a burst of lemon to kickstart your body’s ability to detox.
  6. Do what you can to help your body establish a healthy and regular elimination schedule of 1-2 bowel movements per day. Probiotics like acidophilus can help, as well as added fiber from dietary sources such as ground flax seeds.
  7. The perimeter of the grocery store is where you should select most of your food purchases, as this is where most fresh meat and produce is located. Organic meat and produce will not contain harmful hormones and antibiotics used in many foods. Eating fresh will help you avoid chemicals used in processed foods or emanating from inferior food containers. White sugar and white flour are two ubiquitous ingredients that are best avoided.
  8. Did you know that some foods have detoxifying benefits? Make an effort to eat 8-10 fruit and veggie servings of many colors. Cruciferous vegetables increase sulfur and help the detox system, so stock up on kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and cabbage.
  9. Break a sweat, as significant sweating several times per week allows the body to expel toxins. Saunas, steam or a detox bath opens up the pores and gets a good sweat going.
  10. A high-quality multivitamin packed with minerals can help supplement your dietary choices. A trusted health provider can go over your diet and help determine what additional support may be needed.

Avoiding Common Chemicals and Knowing Where to Find Them

Not all chemicals are bad, and many help us to stay healthy. However, there are some chemical types – mainly those that negatively disrupt the endocrine system – that have raised the most concern from media outlets. The endocrine system is a network of glands producing hormones that play an essential part in all development phases, metabolism and reproduction. Impacted endocrine glands include the thyroid, parathyroid, thymus and adrenal glands as well as the brain’s pituitary gland. Top common offenders disrupting endocrine function include Bisphenol A (BPAs), Phthalates, PFAS chemicals, Atrazine, Flame retardants and Perchlorate.

BPAs: This chemical classification is most often found in plastics and can be present in some unexpected places, like the lining of canned goods and other packaging. BPA is linked to breast cancer, as well as other cancer types, not to mention early puberty, fertility issues and obesity.

  • Look for plastics marked with a PC for polycarbonate or recycling label #7, as this is a common possible indicator for BPA.
  • Use fresh, frozen or dried food in lieu of canned if possible.
  • Don’t microwave anything in plastic or heat food inside of a can, such as on a camping trip. Toxins will likely contaminate food, as they leach from plastic coating when in contact with heat. Instead, put food in a pot or pan to cook on the stove or use a glass container in the microwave.
  • Check foods for BPA and other toxins or concerns with the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) BPA product list. It can also suggest healthier alternatives in some cases.

Phthalates: These chemicals are often seen in PVC plastic, Saran wrap, toys and many products mysteriously labeled ‘fragrance.’ Phthalates are linked primarily to male reproductive effects, such as birth defects, decreased sperm mobility and count, as well as miscarriages and gestational diabetes in women.

  • This is a further reason to avoid plastics, in particular food and drink containers. Plastic kid’s toys are also potentially concerning, as well as plastic wrap labeled ‘recycling label #3.’
  • Ingredient labels can serve as an early warning sign. If phthalates are mentioned or the mysterious ‘fragrance’ label, that is a red flag ,as companies can legally use it to cover over 4,000 chemicals of largely unknown potential dangers to consumers.

PFAS Chemicals: Per-fluorinated, polyfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of over 4,700 fluorinated chemicals that are oil, heat and water resistant. Nicknamed forever chemicals due to their long-lasting presence in the body and the environment from their tough carbon-fluorine bonds, they are found in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothes, carpeting and grease-resistant furniture coating. Many PFAS have not been fully studied, though many are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immunity diminishment and developmental defects.

  • A water filter is a wise investment to reduce or remove PFAS from tap water. Reverse osmosis is the best strategy to filter them out.
  • Don’t use pots, pans and cooking utensils with non-stick coatings.
  • Avoid stain-repellant chemicals and treatments, such as on carpeting and furniture. Stain and/or water-resistant clothing is also best avoided.
  • Fast food is often packaged in PFAS-treated wrapping or boxes, so yet another reason to limit fast food.
  • Popcorn is healthiest from the stovetop or in an air popper, as microwave popcorn bags usually have PFAS on the inside. 

Glyphosate and Atrazine: Beware of weed killers such as these common in home and farm use. Both of these products have major detrimental effects on the environment and the potential health of consumers. Glyphosate is in many popular weed killers and has been shown in several studies to double a person’s risk for developing a blood cancer called Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Corn is a ubiquitous crop that is affected by Atrazine. Atrazine is linked to childhood leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, breast tumors, delayed puberty and prostate inflammation in animals, as well as prostate cancer in people.

  • Avoid using chemical pesticides on home lawns and gardens.
  • A water filter certified to remove atrazine is advisable.
  • Purchasing organic produce and avoiding GMOs can help limit your exposure.

Perchlorate: This is not something that the average person interacts with, as it is a chemical found in rocket fuels, explosives and used in some military applications. Unfortunately, it still trickles down into the larger environment and these toxins have reportedly been found to contaminate the drinking water of over 17 million Americans. It affects the thyroid glands and can inhibit the absorption of iodine, which can lead to metabolic issues and proper brain and organ development in infants and young children.

  • A reverse osmosis filter can reduce perchlorate in drinking water. Get a drinking water filter certified to remove contaminants.
  • Iodized salt can help replenish lost iodine in the body.
  • Organic produce and non-GMO produce is your safest bet.
  • A shopper’s guide to pesticides, like the one offered by EWG, can steer you to items with the least pesticide use.

Chiropractic’s Role in Detoxing the Body

Before embarking on a formalized detoxification program, it may be necessary to address more pressing health concerns first. For example, a patient with severe gut or elimination challenges would need to regulate that prior to starting a detox, as those functions are necessary to safely cleanse the body. Having a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) on your side is advisable for a safe and enjoyable detoxification process. Besides addressing pain related to toxicity and optimizing joint function, your DC can help you identify potential toxin sources and symptoms that may be caused by them.

DCs can guide you to help you minimize toxic exposure and help you plan for a formal detoxification process if needed based on findings.

References (from original F4CP article)

  1. https://www.who.int/tools/compendiumon-health-and-environment/chemicals
  2. https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i9/chemicals-use-today.html
  3. https://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/19/isthere-toxic-waste-in-your-body-2/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8325494/
  5. https://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/19/isthere-toxic-waste-in-your-body-2/
  6. https://goop.com/beauty/personalcare/6-of-the-most-common-endocrinedisruptors-and-how-to-avoid-them/
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