Clinic Location: 16897 Placer Hills Rd. Meadow Vista, CA 95722 (530) 878-4828 |
Reducing Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Since the 1940’s, a staggering 85,000 new chemicals have
been introduced, with 33,000 of these in common use today.
Despite all of the money poured into research, cancer rates
continue to rise. The U.S. breast cancer rate for women in
1940 was 1:30, rising to 1:8 in the year 2000. A dramatic drop
in the average age of puberty, a decline in human fertility, and
a rise in immunological diseases can all be associated with
environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals,
microbes, and, most of all, man-made chemicals.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to keep yourself and
loved-ones healthy in today’s world. Prevention is still the best
medicine, and it all starts with making better choices in our
everyday lives. Here are some of the main areas to focus on
for reducing exposure:
Since the 1940’s, a staggering 85,000 new chemicals have
been introduced, with 33,000 of these in common use today.
Despite all of the money poured into research, cancer rates
continue to rise. The U.S. breast cancer rate for women in
1940 was 1:30, rising to 1:8 in the year 2000. A dramatic drop
in the average age of puberty, a decline in human fertility, and
a rise in immunological diseases can all be associated with
environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals,
microbes, and, most of all, man-made chemicals.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to keep yourself and
loved-ones healthy in today’s world. Prevention is still the best
medicine, and it all starts with making better choices in our
everyday lives. Here are some of the main areas to focus on
for reducing exposure:
- Food – Buy organic, preferably locally grown. Studies
have shown that organic produce is actually packed
with more nutrients. If you eat simply, and avoid
processed & packaged food, it doesn’t have to be
expensive to eat organic.
- Water – Solid-carbon filtered is preferable to bottled in
plastic.
- Containers – Avoid storing food and drinks in plastics.
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- Cookware – Avoid aluminum and Teflon coated.
- Cleaning Agents – Use baking soda and vinegar to clean
most surfaces.
- Personal Hygiene & Cosmetics – So-called “organic”
cosmetics are not necessarily organic; many lipsticks
contain lead; chemicals used in deodorants have been
found in breast tumors; and phthalates used in many of
these products cause birth defects in the male
reproductive system. Until we have better regulation on
these products, it’s best to use as little as possible.
- Air – Reduce air pollution by using the County chipper
program and green waste program, instead of burning.
Reduce the use of your car. Ride a bike or walk.
- Medications – Use as little as possible. Because of their
potency, most medications are toxic. Choose healthier
foods, exercise regularly, and get outdoors. See a
licensed practitioner for less toxic alternatives.
Try to give gifts that will help reduce your loved-ones’ exposure to
toxins. Gift ideas: stainless steel thermoses and water bottles,
glass food storage containers, non-toxic cookware, solid-carbon
water filters, bicycles and safety gear, good walking shoes, a
basket of healthy snacks and medicinal teas.
Linnie O'Flanagan, L.Ac.
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