We have written about the dangers of toxins and more specifically endocrine disrupting toxins in previous posts. According to a new study published Tuesday in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers have discovered a link between toxin intake and reduced vitamin D levels.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are well documented to have a major role in diseases that include diabetes, fatty liver, leaky gut, obesity and the list goes on. The list of these can be found here in a recent article: Toxic World: Endocrine Disruptors & Liver’s Role
New discoveries in the important role of vitamin D in human health are ongoing. Vitamin D is a critical compound necessary in cardiology, immunology, cancer, diabetes and other health conditions. Finding the links between these toxins and any reductions in vitamin D raises certain issues that deserve closer examination.
Study Results
This new study collected data from 4,667 adults over a five-year period. Their endocrine disrupting chemical exposure was measured through urine analysis. The results were very conclusive; adults who had a greater exposure to these toxins in the bloodstream consistently had lower serum levels of vitamin D. The correlation was even more prevalent in women than men.
“The higher the body toxin levels the greater the Vit D decline. Highest correlation are in Women.”
Humans have never before been subjected to such a toxic environment as they are today. Exposure is coming at everyone from pesticides, herbicides, solvents, industrial waste, personal care products, and the nation’s food chain in the form of GMOS – literally everywhere.
Avoiding these chemicals is no longer possible, though limiting them is critical. Supplementing with cleansers from nature needs to be part of everyone’s daily regimen. Here is a list that Supports Nutritional Detoxification pathways in the body:
Silybin (Milk Thistle)
Silybin or silybum marianum is the active compound in Milk Thistle and responsible for its liver-protecting attributes. Milk thistle benefits are well documented in liver detoxification. It neutralizes liver toxins, promotes regeneration of hepatic cells and decreases inflammation. Though not all milk thistle is the same and our raw material has been specifically tested for potency. Silybum marianum benefits are enhanced when combined with Phosphatidylcholine.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
An organic form of sulfur. MSM is essential in creating new hepatic cells. It is also needed to form Glutathione, arguably the most important liver detoxification compounds in the liver. Liver function is greatly enhanced in studies incorporating MSM in the regimen.
Turmeric (95% Curcuminoids)
Listing all the benefits of this ingredient would be a fool’s errand. However, it has been used for arthritis, heartburn (dyspepsia), joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, bypass surgery, hemorrhage, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and liver inflammation. It’s important this not be combined with black pepper as is so often the case in other formulations. Black pepper interrupts the detox cycle in the liver, this is exactly what we are up regulating.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
This compound is kept in the emergency rooms across the country as medical staff know the ability of NAC to arrest acute liver damage. NAC rapidly restores depleted glutathione levels, sparing liver cells from the ravages of toxic/oxidant damage. NAC alone can reduce liver enzymes significantly.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC)
Elevated levels of phosphatidylcholine help in “Leaky Gut” repair as many with decreased liver function complain of irritable bowel syndrome. The choline compound also increases the effectiveness of silymarin 2-3x. defend cell membrane during oxidative stress from being broken down. This of course will aid in the fight against NAFLD progression to NASH or more progressive forms of reduced liver function.
Tips to Help Avoid Endocrine Disrupting Conditions (EDCs):
- Choose organic produce whenever possible.
- Eat free-range, organic meats to reduce exposure from added hormones and pesticides. Whenever possible buy from your local farmer.
- Buy products available in glass containers rather than plastic or cans to avoid Bisphenol-A, Bisphenol-B and other plasticizers.
- Replace non-stick pans with glass, ceramic, or cast iron.
- Drink RO [reverse osmosis] filtered water.
- Use a showerhead with a filter.
- Use household cleaning products that are free of phthalates, BPA, and fragrances. Vinegar and baking soda are very effective.
- Use personal care products that are free of heavy metals and toxins.