Seafood Problem: Surprising Dangers of Excessive Consumption

The AHA! Team — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:08:42 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – While seafood is well-known for its various health benefits, such as its rich omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients, there are risks associated with its consumption that may not be widely recognized. Recent research published in Exposure and Health reveals a significant concern: underestimating exposure to PFAS through seafood. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals found in various consumer products – and apparently in your seafood. This discovery highlights the need for further investigation and awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with high-seafood diets. Researchers’ startling discovery of PFAS in seafood The study aimed to assess seafood consumption patterns among New Hampshire residents and the associated PFAS exposure. The researchers conducted a population-based survey involving 1,829 adults and children aged 2-11 in June 2021. The survey collected data on seafood consumption frequency, portion sizes, types, and sources. After determining the most commonly consumed seafood species, the researchers purchased these species from a seafood market in Portsmouth, NH. They then analyzed the purchased seafood for 26 different PFAS compounds to quantify their presence. The researchers calculated hazard quotients for PFAS compounds with available health guidance values to assess the potential health risk posed by seafood consumption. Key findings from the study include: Among adults, 95% reported consuming seafood within the last year, with shrimp, haddock, salmon, and canned tuna being the most frequently consumed types. Based on consumption frequencies and meal sizes, the researchers estimated daily seafood consumption rates for adults (median: 33.9 g/day) and children (median: 5.0 g/day), which were somewhat higher than national estimates for the Northeastern US. PFAS were detected in shrimp and lobster purchased from the local market, with median concentrations ranging from below the detection limit to 1.74 ng/g for shrimp and 3.30 ng/g for lobster. Hazard quotients suggested that high seafood consumers may be exposed to PFAS concentrations that potentially pose a health risk. Is your favorite seafood safe from PFAS contamination? The plight of shellfish living along the seafloor is tragic as they become the unwitting carriers of higher PFAS levels. These contaminants are then ingested by larger fish like salmon and tuna, endangering our favorite seafood choices. The presence of PFAS in our seafood not only raises alarm about its safety but also serves as a stark reminder of the broader issue of environmental contamination. It’s a call to action for stronger regulations to shield our food supply from harmful chemicals, urging us to advocate for sustainable fishing practices and rigorous monitoring of seafood safety standards to safeguard public health. Protect your health by minimizing PFAS exposure In the battle to minimize exposure to PFAS, it’s crucial to recognize that while it may be impossible to completely eliminate these chemicals from seafood and consumer products, there’s hope for change. Public health guidelines need to be revamped to reduce PFAS exposure, especially in coastal areas like New England, where industries have contaminated countless fish with these “forever chemicals.” While avoiding seafood altogether is an option, it would leave a significant gap in essential lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for human health. As a consumer, you can take steps to minimize PFAS exposure. For instance, avoid freshwater fish, especially those caught in or near urban areas where PFAS are prevalent. Additionally, opt for alternatives to nonstick cookware, as they often contain PFAS. Transitioning to ceramic pots and pans can significantly reduce PFAS exposure while still allowing for efficient cooking. While it may not be practical to create your own backyard pond stocked with untainted fish, you have the power to make informed choices that protect your health and the environment. Sources for this article include: Link.springer.com Medicalxpress.com To read the original article click here.

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Algae to the Rescue: Remove Heavy Metals from Your Body Before It’s Too Late

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:00:24 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – For years, natural healthcare professionals have sounded the alarm about the dangers of heavy metals in our food supply and immediate environment; even Western medicine is starting to take notice. In fact, the use of mercury in dental amalgams, vaccines, and consuming contaminated seafood like salmon can dramatically increase the risks for autism, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, thyroid disorders, plus a host of immune-related disorders. Therefore, we ought to focus on removing heavy metals – before it’s too late. Naturally, the best way to minimize your risk for disease – is to avoid unwanted toxins from entering the body. But, like most people, getting rid of already consumed toxins ought to be a top priority. This Green Algae Binds to Heavy Metals and Ushers Them Out of the Body Recent medical research shows that chlorella, a single-celled micro-algae, can come to the rescue by flushing toxins from the body. Although chlorella (green algae) is regularly consumed by over 10 million people in Japan – giving it popularity that rivals that of vitamin C in the United States – most Americans have generally lagged in recognizing the phenomenal benefits of this superfood. Chlorella, and its detoxifying effects, have been the subject of medical research in the United States, Russia, and many countries throughout Europe. Chlorella’s unique molecular structure allows it to bind to heavy metals, including cadmium, mercury, arsenic, antinomy, and lead. A testament to chlorella’s binding capacities is that it has been used in mine shafts to collect residual metals. Researchers are particularly intrigued by chlorella’s ability to bind to – and eliminate – toxins in the body, but not essential minerals such as calcium, zinc, and manganese, almost as if the algae “knows” which substances belong in the body. It is chlorella’s high levels of chlorophyll that allow it to promote the processing of oxygen while helping to repair and grow healthy tissue. In addition to its detoxifying powers, chlorella can help reduce body fat, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and cleanse the excretory system. Wow! The Science on Chlorella Is Extraordinary A three-year study was performed at a foundry in Russia on people who had been exposed to high levels of toxic heavy metals. At the study’s end, researchers found that chlorella, administered along with the spice cilantro, succeeded in safely removing all heavy metals from the subjects’ bodies. Animal research has also demonstrated chlorella’s benefits. In fact, a study in which laboratory mice were given chlorella after being exposed to high amounts of cadmium – a toxic heavy metal. The data clearly showed that chlorella had a strong protective effect and even helped restore liver structure and function. A second study showed that mice given chlorella excreted more lead in their feces than mice that had not been given the algae – data that supports chlorella’s ability to help flush toxins from the body. The chlorella group of mice also absorbed significantly less lead in their kidneys and livers. Animal studies also support chlorella’s anticancer powers. Chlorella has been found to promote apoptosis, or programmed cell suicide, in liver cancer cells in rats. Apoptosis does not normally occur in cancer cells – although it is part of the metabolic process of normal cells; thus, any substance that promotes cancer cell apoptosis is viewed with great interest by medical researchers. In a scholarly review, published in 2011, in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health – the authors listed chlorella as among the natural substances that are “enormously valuable in facilitating excretion and reducing biochemical toxicities.” The authors speculated that chlorella’s mechanisms of action could include preventing the absorption of toxins, diminishing their toxicity through protective mechanisms, and hindering their recycling in the body. Taking the RIGHT Variety of Chlorella Is Key to Access its Exceptional Nutritional Profile Not only is this superfood composed of 50 percent protein, but it also contains all the amino acids needed to form additional proteins. Large amounts of vitamin C and antioxidant carotenoids are also found in chlorella, along with iron, vitamin K, and B-complex vitamins. Chlorella can be used to enhance vitamin B and protein levels, making it especially beneficial for vegans and vegetarians. However, the tough cell walls of chlorella can make it difficult to digest its nutrients. As the cell walls play an important role in binding with heavy metals and ushering them from the body, scientists needed to find a way to disturb the integrity of the cell walls without negating their benefits. Consuming the “broken-cell” variety of chlorella will allow your body to access its nutrients. Keep in mind, once heavy metals have entered the cells – it’s much more challenging to detoxify the body. Although chlorella is great for preventing the digestion of ‘new’ heavy metal debris – seriously toxic individuals may need other supplements (or protocols). Finally, depending on the degree of digestive inflammation, when you try to mobilize toxins – be sure you’re eliminating them properly to avoid negative (often serious) side effects. Here Is How to Use Chlorella and What You Should Pay Attention To Chlorella is available in tablet, powder, and liquid forms and in two different varieties: Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Although some experts believe that Chlorella pyrenoidosa has the more potent detoxifying effects of the two, it’s worth noting that Chlorella vulgaris has also performed well in laboratory studies. Whichever type you use, make sure it is in the broken-cell-wall form. And, because chlorella can harbor toxic elements from the environment, it is important to obtain it from a trusted, reputable source. The usual recommended serving of chlorella is between 2 and 5 grams a day. Using the powder in recipes for bread or cookies helps to mask the taste, which some find objectionable; you can also mix powdered chlorella into a favorite beverage or simply take it in tablet form. In a world where our bodies are besieged daily by chemtrails, GMOs, and other environmental pollutants – this tiny green alga known as chlorella can have enormous benefit as a powerful ally against toxic heavy metals. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Hindawi.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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contaminated seafood Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Seafood Problem: Surprising Dangers of Excessive Consumption

Algae to the Rescue: Remove Heavy Metals from Your Body Before It’s Too Late