Chemical & Environmental Toxicities
Chemical and Environmental Toxicity Impact on Your Health
In our modern world, we are exposed to a multitude of chemicals and environmental toxins on a daily basis, whether it’s pesticides, herbicides, asbestos, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals like lead, mercury or others, mold and/or air pollution. Unfortunately, we can not get away from the over abundance of toxicity burden, nor can our body escape the harm it causes. Xenobiotics are synthetic chemicals that are foreign to our body. The effects of those xenobiotics to our genes is epigenetic.
What you may not realize is the fact that genes are vulnerable to modification in response to toxic stress, nutritional problems, and other negative influences, such as chronic diseases. This is why it’s important to support elimination pathways, digestion, kidney, liver, skin, and methylation and other pathways.
Methylation is a biochemical pathway that supports a wide range of functions: detoxification, turning on or off genes, energy production, reducing inflammation, neurotransmitters synthesis, homocysteine metabolism, protein breakdown, and phase 2 liver detoxification, phosphorylation and more. By supporting these pathways correctly and consistently you can turn on or turn off negative genetic expression, or disease. In functional medicine we say, your genes is the bullet but your environment pulls the trigger. Therefore, medical grade nutritional designed to support these pathways are essential.
While many of these substances are an integral part of our daily lives, it’s essential to understand how they can profoundly affect our health, particularly concerning hormonal imbalances, gut health, and even brain function.
Dr. Vaughan has studied under Dr. Richie Shoemaker learning his 12 step protocol for treatment of mold. These steps help address the root cause and really help eradicate the effects on your body from mold. Dr. Vaughan has her own personal story with mold that impacted her life. She tells her patients “part of the reason why I help patients with mold and utilize Functional medicine in my office is I have had to heal myself over the years”. She personally understands what you are going through and there is a solution.
Hormonal Imbalances
One of the most concerning aspects of chemical and environmental toxicity is its impact on hormonal health.
Many of these toxins are known as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the delicate balance of hormones in our bodies. These disruptors can mimic natural hormones, leading to confusion in the endocrine system.
For instance, some chemicals found in plastics, known as phthalates, can act as estrogen mimics. When absorbed by the body, they can bind to estrogen receptors, leading to an imbalance in the hormonal system.
This can be particularly problematic for women approaching menopause, as it can exacerbate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Furthermore, exposure to toxins like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and certain pesticides has been linked to disruptions in thyroid function.
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormone balance.
When compromised by toxins, it can lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism, causing fatigue, weight gain, and mood disturbances.
Gut Health
The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” due to its significant influence on overall health, including hormonal balance.
Chemical and environmental toxins can wreak havoc on gut health, leading to conditions like leaky gut syndrome and dysbiosis.
Toxic substances can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, causing an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decline in beneficial ones.
This imbalance can lead to increased intestinal permeability, commonly known as leaky gut. When the gut lining becomes compromised, it allows toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune system responses.
Additionally, toxins can directly damage the cells lining the gut, impairing nutrient absorption and overall digestive function.
This can lead to malnutrition, exacerbating the effects of hormonal imbalances and causing a cascade of health issues.
Brain Health
The brain is not immune to the detrimental effects of chemical and environmental toxins.
Some toxins can cross the blood-brain barrier, directly impacting neurological function. This can result in cognitive decline, memory issues, mood disorders, and even neurodegenerative diseases.
For example, heavy metals like lead and mercury, commonly found in contaminated water and certain foods, can accumulate in the brain over time.
These metals are known to disrupt neurotransmitter function, impairing communication between brain cells. This disruption can manifest as symptoms of anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction.
Moreover, some pesticides and industrial chemicals have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in children. Exposure during crucial developmental stages can have long-lasting effects on brain health and cognitive function.
By understanding the profound effects of chemical and environmental toxicity on hormonal balance, gut health, and brain function, you can make informed choices to protect your well-being.
At Vaughan Vitality, we help people identify the many sources of toxins and how to reduce overall toxic burden and avoid toxins in the first place.
Additionally we can help support your body’s natural detoxification processes with diet changes and supplementation, so you can lead a healthier, more energized life.
Schedule Discovery Consult
Have questions about toxins and detox?
Our patient coordinator is on standby, happy to assist and clarify any questions you might have to determine if our comprehensive approach is right for you.
Click here to schedule your free discovery consult or call our office at 714.434.9355.
About Vaughan Vitality Wellness
Pioneering a transformative approach to hormone optimization, Dr. Kristi Vaughan at Vaughan Vitality Wellness blends integrative & functional medicine insights with advanced diagnostic tools. We prioritize deciphering and treating the root causes of your symptoms so patients can feel and look their absolute best.
At Vaughn Vitality Wellness, we promise to put you first — by treating you with respect and providing the holistic medical attention you need. Our team excels at discovering the root cause of your medical condition. Our treatment approaches can help prevent disease and, in some cases, reverse illness.