Toxins Inside the Home_Final
0 (0 Likes / 0 Dislikes)
>> Welcome back.
In this lecture, we'll be talking about
some of the ways we're exposed to toxins everyday
through the products that we use
and the impact this can have on our gut health.
You and your clients may not even be aware
of the sheer number of toxic chemicals you're touching,
eating, or breathing every day but you're about to find out.
This may sound a bit depressing but don't worry.
We have solutions to share too.
Did you know that there are healthier alternatives
for nearly every one of these chemicals?
It's true.
The natural and organic products industry
has exploded over the last decade.
In fact, the organic personal care product industry
has been projected to net over $15 billion by the year 2020,
and that's just organic skin, hair, and cosmetics products.
This shows that people are becoming more aware
of the ingredients in their household
and personal care products,
and the negative impact they can have on their health.
This is great news.
As you can imagine,
chemicals hide in the most unlikely places,
like triclosan in dish soap,
parabens in shampoo and moisturizer,
and BPA in so many food and skincare packages.
It's hard to avoid them.
Most people don't really even look at the labels.
They've gotten used to reading the nutrition facts
on the food they buy,
but rarely do they read the list of ingredients
contained in their personal care products.
Next time you're chatting with one of your clients,
ask them if they read the labels on their home products.
Many of the chemicals in personal care products
and household cleaners are generally regarded as safe
by the Food and Drug Administration.
But consider that Roundup has been deemed safe,
and you'll understand that safe doesn't equal nontoxic.
As ever, the dose makes the poison.
Toxins can be absorbed orally, through the skin,
and through our lungs.
In particular, our skin is a pretty good reflection
of what's going on inside our microbiome.
The skin is the largest organ involved
in the elimination of toxins and waste,
and gut health issues often surface here.
Issues stemming from the digestive tract
and its resident flora from the liver
and even from the kidneys can show up
in the form of skin conditions,
like rashes, acne, and eczema.
For example, a link has been found between
the skin, the gut,
and the microbiome in the development of atopic dermatitis.
So trying to treat breakouts, dermatitis,
and related skin problems topically
with potentially toxic skin care products
may actually worsen the underlying issue.
So what can you do?
The solution starts inside.
A great place to start for clients with skin issues
that they just can't figure out
is to look for potential problem foods in their diet
and experiment with eliminating them.
Common culprits include processed and refined foods,
artificial flavors and colors, wheat, dairy, soy, and eggs.
The next step is to pay attention to the ingredients
in personal care and household products,
swapping out those that are loaded with chemicals
and artificial dyes and fragrances for natural products.
This reduces the load placed on the organs
that are responsible for detoxification
and elimination including the gut,
the liver, and, yes, the skin.
A good rule of thumb to work toward
is not to put anything on your skin that you wouldn't eat.
What's lurking in these personal care products?
The colorants, fragrances, and preservatives used
are often petroleum distillates,
which means they're derived from crude oil.
Many of these products also contain xenoestrogens
which interfere with normal hormone in endocrine function.
The endocrine system regulates metabolism,
reproduction, immunity, digestion, and more.
Chemicals that disrupt endocrine signaling
have the potential to cause widespread effects
in the body including the gut.
Endocrine disruptors can directly promote weight gain.
They can also be altered by the gut microbiome
to affect blood sugar and induce hyperglycemia.
When toxins aren't eliminated by the liver or the colon,
the body will protect itself by storing toxins in fat cells.
To make matters worse,
these fat cells can then store even more toxins.
Many ingredients and personal care products
can irritate the GI tract when ingested.
Sometimes the gut microbiome can work to detoxify
and protect us against these toxins.
But in some cases, it may transform the toxin
into something even more damaging.
This depends on the particular toxin
and the makeup of the particular microbiome.
Since everyone is unique,
it's best to just focus on reducing your overall toxic load.
Here are five of the most common ingredients
to avoid in personal care products.
Parabens.
These are a type of preservative.
About half of the cosmetics in the US contain parabens.
They're also commonly found in shampoo, hair dyes,
tanning sprays, sunscreen, and deodorants.
Parabens readily penetrate the skin.
There's growing evidence that parabens act as xenohormones,
meaning, they mimic estrogen
and they can potentially contribute to obesity.
Different xenohormones can accumulate
and act together in the body.
A variety of parabens in the body
even if each is only present in small amounts may result
in synergistic health effects.
They essentially gang up on the body.
Parabens may even disrupt the gut flora
and increase the level of food sensitivities
via alterations of immune system components
along the digestive tract.
Phthalates.
Phthalates are plastic byproducts found in cosmetics,
perfumes, soap, hairspray, nail polish,
shampoo, conditioners,
detergents, and even household items
that can give off gases
such as plastic shower curtains and toilet paper.
Phthalates can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Diethyl phthalate in particular
may impact the gut microbiome.
This interaction may be one reason
that phthalate exposure has been linked to obesity.
Synthetic fragrances.
The majority of synthetic fragrances
are derived from petroleum.
Common fragrance ingredients include
toluene and benzene derivatives
which are known to be carcinogenic.
Fragrances are found in perfumes and body scent products,
detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, soaps, shampoo,
conditioner, air fresheners, and scented candles.
As with other toxins, the action of the gut microbiome
on benzene derivatives may be protective
or may make the chemical more toxic
depending on the particular derivative
and the particular microbiome.
Triclosan.
Triclosan began as an antibacterial agent
used only in hospitals
before becoming common in consumer products.
As of 2017, triclosan and other antibacterial agents
are banned from cleansing agents.
Why?
Antibacterial products are no more effective
than their bacteria neutral counterparts,
and could potentially do harm over time
by contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Think of it this way.
As we wash away all those stubborn germs,
we're leaving the strong super bugs to survive.
With new research on the microbiome,
long-term effects are being considered.
The prevailing wisdom now is that soap and water,
which doesn't leave behind a residue
is a better everyday solution than a harsh antibacterial.
Sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS for short.
This emulsifier and foaming agent is commonly found
in shampoos, liquid soaps, and toothpaste.
These highly processed chemicals are derived from coconut,
but by the time they make it into the bottle,
they no longer resemble coconut in anyway
and can cause inflammation and skin irritation.
The skincare industry is unregulated
and often chemicals are added to stabilize
or enhance common products.
According to the Environmental Working Group,
89% of ingredients used in skincare products
have not been assessed for safety by the FDA
or any publicly accountable institution.
That is a scary statistic.
An important thing to keep in mind is that the terms
natural and organic are not regulated by the FDA,
and they don't mean anything specific.
Technically, a product can say natural
no matter what it contains.
The only meaningful government backed label in the US
is the USDA organic seal.
If a product doesn't have that,
be sure to check the ingredients label
and look for chemicals like the ones we discussed.
The skin is a detox organ.
If it has the ability to let toxins out,
it also has the ability to let them in.
The ingredients we just discussed are found
in so many products.
It's not realistic to replace them all overnight.
Encourage your clients to start by educating themselves,
becoming savvy consumers who read labels
and to swap things out one at a time.
Many health food stores and major online retailers
sell personal care products free of parabens, phthalates,
dyes, fragrances, and SLSs.
Remind your clients that the gut affects the skin.
You can encourage them to pay attention
to what they put on their body as well as what goes in.
Rather than spending money on fancy skincare products
that mask the problem, encourage your clients
to get to the root of the problem
and address their gut health.
I know many clients that can trace their acne
back to a stomach infection
or multiple rounds of antibiotics.
Unfortunately, they often reach for acetone
or even more antibiotics.
Their gut problems remain overlooked
until they identify the link.
We've talked about how to avoid the most common toxins
in personal care products,
but this is only one step of the journey.
Cleaning products are another significant source
of household toxins.
Conventional household cleaning products
can contain an array of dangerous chemicals
that can cause a concerning amount of negative effects.
But since we're talking about gut health specifically,
the most direct offenders to pay attention
to in this context are antimicrobials.
The sheer volume of antimicrobials in our products
in daily lives can take a toll on our microbiome.
Over sanitization is rampant.
Antimicrobial chemicals are now in detergents, hand soaps,
wipes we used to clean the handles on our shopping carts,
and toys our kids put in their mouths.
If we can't clean it, we do.
And in so doing, we limit our contact with the world.
Many cleaning products contain chemicals
that emit volatile organic compounds or VOCs.
These compounds when inhaled can negatively impact
respiratory function, asthma, and allergies.
There may also be a link between VOCs and gut dysbiosis,
with these, having an effect on the body
similar to air pollution.
High levels of VOCs found on a person's breath
has been identified as a potential indicator of IBS.
Let's go over a few of the most common toxic ingredients
found in cleaning supplies that can release VOCs
into your environment.
Ammonia.
Ammonia is common in cleaning products,
especially glass, window, and toilet bowl cleaners.
It has been shown to worsen asthma for some individuals.
Some alternative practitioners believe in what has been
coined ammonia permeability,
and that too much ammonia exposure can cause fatigue.
Next is bleach,
which is also found in many cleaning products.
It has been connected to an increase in flu
and respiratory issues.
The active ingredient in bleach is antimicrobial.
Therefore, bleach is contributing
to our overuse of antibacterials.
Antibacterials take a toll on our gut microbes,
which play a role in our immune system.
You can see how this comes full circle.
Next is formaldehyde.
This chemical can be used in dishwasher soap,
all purpose cleaners, fabric softeners, carpet cleansers,
and some paper and plastic products.
It's also a known carcinogen.
And lastly is sodium hydroxide
which is often found in liquid drain cleaners.
If sodium hydroxide is ingested,
it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
When it comes to choosing cleaning products,
a good rule of thumb is to steer clear
if you see a warning sign on a label.
If you see names of ingredients you can't pronounce,
look them up or reconsider.
Do your research and replace products one at a time.
Be sure to check the labels of green cleaning products.
This is another term with no legal definition.
Green products are typically better
than their conventional counterparts
but many often still contain chemicals.
Another option is to make your own cleaning supplies.
This is a great way for clients to save money,
feel empowered,
and reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals.
To make a simple all-purpose cleaning solution,
all you need is baking soda, vinegar, lemon,
and a few drops of your favorite essential oil for scent.
Citrus scented oils can create a nice clean smell.
We have provided a recipe for you in your handout,
Do-It-Yourself Cleaning Products.
Now last but not least,
let's talk about three additional ways
that toxins can be lurking in your home.
Off-gassing, mold, and BPA plastics.
Off-gassing.
We are living in a modern world
where we are constantly boxed in
by four walls to protect us from the outside environment.
But as a result, we're surrounded by chemicals
trapped within those walls too.
Furniture and household items, like rugs and mattresses
are made with chemicals and flame retardants
that release gas into our air.
This is called off-gassing.
These gas chemicals are inhaled over time
and influence your indoor air quality.
So what does this do to our gut?
Well, air pollution, whether indoor or outdoor,
can decrease diversity in the microbiome.
And the microbiome can turn pollutants
into estrogenic compounds that are endocrine disruptors.
These pollutants can increase gut permeability,
potentially leading to leaky gut and inflammation.
When looking for a mattress, encourage clients to avoid foam
and look for a CertiPUR-US label
which identifies less toxic mattresses.
If a new product has a chemical smell,
allow it to sit outside or ventilate the area.
The same goes for dry cleaning.
Hang it outside so you don't bring those chemicals in.
Artificially scented air fresheners also contain VOCs.
It's best to just avoid them and stick to essential oils.
Mold.
Indoor environments are also subjected to mold,
especially in damp environments or climates.
To a large extent, the susceptibility depends
on the building materials of the house.
But regardless of the material,
if it gets damp, mold can grow.
Mold can also release VOCs.
Inhaling mold is similar to eating it.
It's not good for you.
Mold can crowd out beneficial bacteria
and contribute to GI issues
the way any opportunistic bug can.
In order to prevent buildup of mold,
make sure to keep things dry and air out any areas
that might collect moisture, like bathrooms and dish drains.
To limit dust and improve airflow,
change your filters often.
HEPA filters or air sanitizers can be helpful.
Change all filters including the one in your vacuum often.
If mold can't be eliminated,
it's best to remove yourself from the situation
and hire a professional to remove it.
Plastics.
Lastly, let's discuss a type of plastic,
bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA.
BPA plastic is an endocrine disruptor.
As an estrogenic compound,
plastic can disrupt fat tissues and glucose metabolism.
And as we mentioned, any of these toxins
seem to disrupt the complex environment
of the microbes in our gut,
as well as how our microbes metabolize these chemicals.
When it comes to gut health, the best thing to do
is to just avoid plastic in the kitchen entirely.
Even BPA-free plastic can leach into your food
or beverages and enter your digestive tract.
It's important to ask your clients
not just what they're eating but what they're eating out of.
A green smoothie can only be so healthy
if it's made in a blender with a plastic jar
and then poured into a plastic cup.
Encourage clients to use glass or metal dishes,
glasses, and water bottles.
Store food in glass containers and limit plastic,
especially BPA plastic.
Now that you're armed with tons of great information,
let's recap.
Toxins are found lurking in personal care products,
cleaning products, and in our homes.
These chemicals can negatively affect our gut health.
The skin is the largest entryway and exit for toxins,
which is why gut health issues often surface on the skin.
Skin conditions can often improve just by eliminating toxins
from our diet and personal care products.
When looking for better alternatives,
keep in mind that the words Natural and Green
are claims made at the discretion of the manufacturer,
and a product may or may not actually be organic
if it doesn't have the USDA organic seal.
Learning how to be an informed consumer
and read product labels
is the best way to make decisions about
which products to buy and which to avoid.
Empower your clients with education and awareness.
Remember that health is a balancing act of toxic load
and detoxification ability.
A strong microbiome can support good detoxification.
Toxic effects are the result
of long-term buildup of toxins over time.
Our toxic load did not develop overnight.
Taking steps toward a low-toxin lifestyle
is a lengthy process as well.
Encourage your clients to take small steps, one at a time,
and not to be overwhelmed by this information.
Keeping this in mind, suspend your judgment
and take inventory of the products in your home this week.
Where are you on your journey toward a less toxic lifestyle?
Whether you're at step one or well on your way,
what's one thing you can do this week?
Be sure to let us know in the Facebook group,
and let's make sure to support one another.
Thank you for joining me today.
I'll see you next time.