environmental toxins Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Hidden Dangers of Tap & Bottled Water: Which Water is Best & Which is Worst!

The AHA! Team — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:29:33 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – For many of us, bottled water has become a go-to for convenience and perceived purity. However, as research increasingly shows, the story behind bottled water is not so clear-cut. There are real health risks lurking in plastic bottles, and the options for staying hydrated have varying degrees of benefits and potential drawbacks. Today, I want to help you make an informed choice about your drinking water, considering the best options for your health and the planet. Plastic Bottled Water: A Health and Environmental Risk Plastic bottled water is often marketed as a safe, clean alternative to tap water, but the reality is much more complicated. A study from the State University of New York at Fredonia found that 93% of bottled water tested contained microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, which can also include harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, have been linked to inflammation, metabolic disruptions, and even reproductive issues. Moreover, many bottled waters are simply repackaged tap water. In the U.S., it’s estimated that up to two-thirds of bottled water is derived from municipal sources. This means you could be paying a premium for the same water you get from your faucet—only with the added risk of plastic contaminants. I personally recommend Mountain Valley Spring Water, which comes in glass bottles, free of harmful chemicals and leaching that occurs in plastic. Glass is the ideal packaging to ensure that water remains pure and untouched by contaminants. However, not everyone can afford premium spring water in glass, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of other water types. Spring Water: Nature’s Hydration Source Spring water is often considered the gold standard for natural hydration. Sourced from underground springs, it’s naturally filtered through rock layers, which add beneficial minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals are essential for optimal hydration, supporting everything from muscle function to bone health. The key benefit of spring water is its mineral content, which naturally supports your body’s electrolyte balance. Studies have shown that mineral-rich spring water can improve hydration better than water with low mineral content. However, not all spring waters are created equal, so look for brands that test for purity and ensure the water is free from pollutants and chemicals. Tap Water: A Mixed Bag of Benefits and Risks In most developed countries, tap water is regulated and frequently tested for safety. In the U.S., for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees municipal water supplies to ensure they meet safety standards. However, tap water is not without its risks. Depending on where you live, your tap water may contain industrial contaminants like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), plasticizers, and even hormones. For instance, a 2020 report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that millions of Americans’ tap water contains potentially unsafe levels of toxic substances like lead, arsenic, and nitrates. While tap water can be safe for everyday use in many places, it’s important to stay informed about your local water quality. You can request water quality reports from your municipality or invest in at-home testing kits to ensure your water is safe. Filtered Water: A Reliable Middle Ground Using a home water filtration system is one of the best ways to ensure your drinking water is free from harmful contaminants. Filters can remove a wide range of impurities, from chlorine to heavy metals like lead. According to a study from the University of Arizona, water filters can significantly reduce contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and some bacteria. However, not all filters are created equal. Some only remove basic impurities like chlorine, while others can remove a more comprehensive list of toxins, including pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. It’s essential to choose a high-quality filter and replace it regularly, as outdated filters can accumulate toxins and potentially release them back into your water. Without proper maintenance, filters can actually do more harm than good. Alkaline Water: A Trend with Caution Alkaline water, with its pH level higher than neutral (typically around 8 or 9), has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, and I’m a strong advocate for it. Drinking water with a higher pH can help neutralize acid in the body, which may be especially beneficial for those dealing with acid reflux or other issues related to excess acidity. Some studies suggest that alkaline water can improve hydration, especially during intense exercise, by promoting better fluid retention compared to regular water. It’s also been shown to help balance the body’s natural pH levels, which can reduce acidity and support overall wellness. Furthermore, alkaline water is believed to act as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Some research indicates that it may even aid in detoxifying the body, improving digestion, and enhancing energy levels. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality alkaline water system that not only filters and alkalizes the water but also retains the essential minerals needed for hydration. These minerals are crucial for supporting muscle function, bone health, and maintaining proper electrolyte balance. While there are benefits to drinking water that has been filtered through an alkaline system, it’s important to note that these systems often remove essential minerals during the alkalizing process. This can leave your water less beneficial for hydration than mineral-rich spring water. In fact, water that is overly alkaline can sometimes disrupt the body’s natural pH balance, especially in individuals with certain health conditions. Moreover, research is still inconclusive about the long-term benefits of alkaline water, and most health professionals recommend getting your pH balance through a balanced diet rather than relying solely on alkaline water. Which Water is Best for You? For those who can afford it, I highly recommend Mountain Valley Spring Water in glass bottles for its purity, natural mineral content, and avoidance of harmful chemicals. If this option is out of reach, a high-quality water filter paired with a reusable glass or stainless-steel bottle can offer significant health benefits without the environmental and health risks associated with plastic bottles. Tap water is a convenient option but be sure to research your local water quality and consider filtration if there are concerns about contamination. As for alkaline or ionized water, proceed with caution—these systems can filter and alkalize, but they may also remove key minerals that your body needs for optimal hydration. So the choice of drinking water is more than just a matter of convenience. It’s a choice that affects your health, the environment, and your overall well-being. By making informed decisions about what you drink, you can protect yourself from harmful chemicals while staying hydrated. To read the original article click here.

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Environmental Toxins Linked to Rise in Chronic Health Issues Among Children

AHA Publisher — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Since when did it become normal for kids to have chronic illnesses? More and more children are diagnosed with chronic health issues like asthma, ADHD, type 1 diabetes, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, and more. There was a time when a diagnosis like this would be a cause for concern, but today it barely registers as a blip on most healthcare professionals’ and even many parents’ radars. “It is what it is” seems to be the mantra. But it isn’t normal and shouldn’t be viewed as such. These health issues are not normal, especially for children. It’s time for Western medicine to take a step back, stop treating the symptoms, and get to the root of the problem. Therein lies the dilemma. Just how did we get here? Could environmental toxins be to blame? 43 Percent of Children Live With at Least One Chronic Health Condition Children are not only being diagnosed with chronic illnesses that were once exclusive to adults – some of these children are born with them. Tragically, children battling chronic health issues make up more than 70% of all pediatric intensive care admissions in hospitals across the country. An estimated 43% of children have at least one chronic health condition, according to one study that listed 20 common conditions. When they added obesity and being at high risk for developmental/behavioral issues to the mix, that number rose to 54%. These conditions included asthma, autism, diabetes, learning disabilities, and depression. Perhaps most alarming is that most of these conditions are carried on into adulthood, making them lifelong illnesses. Environmental Toxins – a Culprit for the Increase in Children’s Chronic Health Issues Environmental toxins are cited as one of the primary contributing factors in the dramatic uptick of chronic illness in children. Unfortunately, the U.S. (and most of the Western world) has a long history of harmful environmental chemicals. For example, lead has long been a culprit for a number of health issues and learning disabilities, and while it has been banned, it is still found in some places, such as lead paint that was painted over instead of being removed first. The same goes for asbestos. The pesticide DDT is another toxin that was widely accepted for a long time. While it has been outlawed, other harmful chemicals are cropping up to take its place. Each year, more and more toxic household products and harmful substances released into our environment are being identified. These toxic substances are in our homes, schools, workplaces, and even our drinking water. It can be difficult to avoid, especially if you aren’t certain exactly who your enemy is. Of course, we can’t disregard the dangers of glyphosate, indoor air pollution and the many toxins inside childhood shots. How to Reduce Environmental Toxin Exposure? It might seem like a losing battle, trying to fight a toxic environment around us. But there are steps you can take to minimize exposure. Read the labels. Read the labels on everything and avoid the more dangerous chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls, per-, and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and glyphosate. Filter your drinking water. Use a water filter at home that removes PCBs and PFAs from your water. Choose fresh, whole, organic foods. Organic foods have strict requirements for pesticide use so choosing these foods decreases your pesticide exposure. Avoid highly processed foods. Opt for natural, whole foods instead of overly processed foods laden with chemicals and additives. Use an air purifier. An air purifier can help filter volatile organic compounds from the air, so you are less likely to be exposed to chemicals in gas form that are released in your home from the products you use. Make your own natural household cleaning products. Vinegar, baking soda, and other natural substances can clean and sanitize your home just as well as store-bought products but without the harmful chemicals released into the air and left as residue on surfaces. The health of our children should be a top priority. They depend on us to make the world a safer place for them. We need to work harder to live up to that. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NIH.gov ScienceDirect.com EnvironHealthPrevMed.BiomedCentral.com To read the original article click here.

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The 5 Best Probiotic Foods for Good Gut Health

AHA Publisher — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 08:00:38 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – A simple way to improve your digestion is by eating more fermented foods. That’s because they contain probiotics that: Encourage the right balance of good bacteria in your digestive tract so it can filter out harmful toxins, chemicals, and waste Offset bad bacteria caused by poor diet, lack of sleep, stress, and environmental toxins to maintain a healthy gut barrier Research also shows probiotics can support a healthy immune system and may have protective effects against everything from IBS, constipation, and bloating to autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis [1,2,3]. CHOOSE THESE BEST PROBIOTIC FOODS FOR A HEALTHY GUT You can reap the benefits of probiotics every day by eating the following best probiotic foods. They’re rich in that good bacteria needed for a healthy gut! FERMENTED VEGETABLES The best way to get probiotics and fiber is from whole, fermented vegetables. Sauerkraut and kimchi are the best low-carb choices. SAUERKRAUT Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage high in organic acids and enzymes. It contains probiotics, fiber, vitamins B, C, and K, iron, manganese, folate, copper, and potassium, all important for gut health and overall wellness. KIMCHI Kimchi is a reddish cabbage fermented with salt, garlic, vinegar, chili peppers, and other spices. A very popular condiment in Korea, kimchi is rich in probiotics and has lots of benefits. Besides supporting your gut with healthy bacteria, a number of studies have shown eating fermented kimchi may significantly decrease blood pressure, BMI, weight, total cholesterol, fasting, and more [4,5,6]. Note: Eat sauerkraut and kimchi in small, condiment-sized portions, as large amounts may cause bacterial imbalance. MILK OR WATER KEFIR Kefir is fermented and cultured drink made from a combination of yeast, bacteria, and either milk or water. Kefir is great for healing gut and digestion function. Although kefir initially contains sugar, its bacteria actually eat up that sugar, making it a keto-friendly food. It also contains calcium and protein (if made with milk), B vitamins, and potassium. UNSWEETENED YOGURT Yogurt can be a great probiotic keto snack. But make sure it has no added carbs from sugar or fruits, as these will take you out of the Keto Zone! Look for full-fat, organic and/or grass-fed yogurt from cows, sheep, or goats as much as possible. These options are more nutritious and less likely to contain pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones along with that beneficial bacteria. LOW-SUGAR KOMBUCHA Kombucha is a fermented black or green tea full of probiotics, enzymes, and beneficial vitamins and minerals for gut health. Kombucha has a range of health benefits for your digestion, immunity, joint health, and detoxification. Make sure the kombucha is: A low-sugar brand, as many kombucha varieties have a lot of sugar that will kick you out of the Keto Zone (check the sugar and net carb grams to be sure) Packaged in a dark glass bottle, as too much UV light can kill the good bacteria inside Organic, raw, and unpasteurized (pasteurization kills the friendly probiotics!) If you can’t find low-sugar kombucha, probiotic vinegar is a good alternative that’s still highly beneficial. DIVINE HEALTH PROBIOTIC FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS Dr. Colbert offers several products offering the benefits of probiotics plus more: Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend Probiotics: a new product containing three clinically studied and tested strains consisting of 12 billion bacteria. Boosts immune response and natural defenses. Helps to support the natural balance of good bacteria in your gut where 70% of the immune system is found. Living Chia: ground chia seeds plus added probiotics. Fermented Green Supremefood and Red Supremefood for daily probiotics from 10 fermented veggies and four fermented grasses! Boost your gut health daily by consuming these best probiotic foods along with a healthy diet and lifestyle. More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health. SOURCES 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448089/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25099542 3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11894-015-0439-z 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21745625 5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23444963 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24456367 To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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10 Warning Signs of a Food Allergy in Children and Adults

AHA Publisher — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 08:00:03 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Food allergy is on the rise – in a big way. According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), the prevalence of food allergy in children increased by a whopping 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. As it stands now, 1 in 13 American kids and 1 in 10 American adults have at least one food allergy. Now, new research published in Cell adds to the mounting pile of evidence that shows environmental toxins, processed food, and other modern-day factors are partly to blame for this growing public health concern. Too Much of the ‘Bad” and Not Enough of the “Good” Cause the Food Allergy Epidemic Among Children A food allergy is an inappropriate immune system response to proteins in food that are normally harmless. Common foods known to trigger allergic reactions include wheat, soy, sesame, egg, tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish. Why are so many more people suffering allergic reactions to food these days? A team of Yale researchers recently investigated this very question. Based on immunobiological data, they’ve proposed several concepts. First, modern Americans are exposed to a significant amount of environmental chemicals, like pesticides, additives in processed foods, and even dishwashing detergent. These toxins, the researchers say, naturally trigger protective reactions from the immune system. Unfortunately, since compounds are frequently in or on the food we eat, the immune system may also begin mistakenly attacking proteins in food as if the proteins themselves were toxic – a phenomenon that the study’s co-author Ruslan Medzhitov has referred to as “guilt by association.” Second, many Americans aren’t being exposed to various parasites, and bacteria normally present in the environment, thanks to the overuse of antibacterial soaps, antibiotics, and other excessive hygiene practices. But natural microbial exposure is actually an important way for the human immune system to learn how to protect itself and neutralize real threats. Plus, natural exposure to environmental microorganisms supports a healthy, diverse, and robust gut microbiome, which is closely tied to immune health. So, in our overly-sterilized environment, many people’s immune systems are becoming hypersensitive, and their gut bacteria are being thrown out of balance – making their immune systems more likely to respond inappropriately to otherwise harmless food proteins. In other words: Foods are becoming intolerable to a growing number of people because we are constantly being exposed to more of what isn’t helpful (toxins, chemicals) and less of what is helpful (microorganisms naturally found in the environment). This suggests, of course, that minimizing our exposure to toxins, avoiding processed foods, and resisting the urge to excessively sterilize our surroundings are all useful strategies for reducing the risk of food allergy. Know These 10 Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Food Allergy Most people who have a food allergy will experience symptoms within a few minutes after consuming the food, although some symptoms take several days to develop. Look out for these symptoms: Hives (raised, itchy, and/or red skin rash) Tingling or itching in the mouth Abdominal pain Diarrhea Nausea and/or vomiting Hay fever-like symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itchy eyes) Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath or wheezing Swelling around the mouth and face Dizziness or lightheadedness Some of these symptoms – including dizziness, swelling of the mouth or tongue, dizziness, and difficulty breathing – could indicate anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction that affects about 1 in 50 Americans. Bottom line: Do not take these symptoms lightly. Call your healthcare provider or, if you must, 911 immediately if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms. Remember, fast action can be lifesaving. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com Cell.com NHS.uk Foodallergy.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Could Exposure to Environmental PCBs Impair Brain Function?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 07:00:10 +0000

Georgetown University Medical Center via Newswise – Human-made toxic chemicals that linger indefinitely in the environment disrupt the performance of critical helper cells in the mouse brain, leading to impaired function over long-term exposures, say neuroscientists at Georgetown University Medical Center. Newswise — CHICAGO — Their study, believed to be the first to test polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in astrocytes — cells that support neurons and are critical for homeostasis throughout the central nervous system — suggests that this persistent environmental toxicant could be a contributing factor in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. They report their findings at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago. The research, conducted in laboratory tests of mouse brain cells, shows how a once widely used mixture of PCBs turns on pathways in astrocytes that attempt to neutralize the toxins. Many antioxidant genes known to be relevant to neurodegeneration in humans are aberrantly activated in the mice cells, says the study’s lead researcher, Mondona McCann, a PhD candidate in Georgetown’s Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience. “Our findings to date show strong connections between these toxins and the health of astrocytes. They also contribute to our understanding of how crucial these astrocytes are to maintaining brain functioning,” says McCann, who is conducting her research in the lab of Kathleen Maguire-Zeiss, PhD, chair of Georgetown’s Department of Neuroscience. These star-shaped cells maintain the blood-brain barrier, support neurons, regulate communication between neurons, and repair nervous tissue following injury, among many other supportive tasks. “If astrocytes fail, neurons die. They are key to maintaining homeostasis — physiological stability — throughout the brain,” she says. PCBs are known to cause cancer, suppress the immune system, disrupt hormonal signals and impair reproduction. In postmortem studies, they have also been correlated with death of nigral brain cells — dopamine-producing cells — in patients with Parkinson’s disease. PCBs were globally manufactured and widely used in the 20th century because the chemicals are stable, heat-resistant and electrically insulating, which made them ideal for use in coolants, flame retardants, lubricants, paints, adhesives and many other industrial products. Because of their toxicity, some countries began banning their use in the 1970s and 1980s, but worldwide production only ended in 2001. The effect of these toxins continues, McCann says. “The same stability that made PCBs so useful also made them persist in the environment.” In addition to several human diseases, PCBs have recently been linked to the decline in the killer whale population; McCann suspects that a combination of environmental stressors such as PCBs and genetic predispositions are linked to neurodegeneration. “People in certain regions are constantly exposed to a low dose of PCBs and other similar compounds for a long time over their lives,” McCann says. “Our lab findings suggest that such an accumulation can lead to oxidative stress in astrocytes, which could not, then, support the neurons they maintain.” It is unlikely that we will ever be able to remove accumulated PCBs from a person, but if research in humans uncovers the specific pathways affected in the brain, “it maybe possible to compensate, clinically, for the deficits seen in functioning of astrocytes. We might be able to engage compensatory mechanisms to increase the cells’ capacity to buffer these toxicants and promote survival,” she says. “This concept that environmental stressors impinge on astrocyte health is a fairly understudied area,” says Maguire-Zeiss. To read the original article click here.

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