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Are You Prepared for Chemical Warfare?
By Charlie Skeen
During the summer of 2005 The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued The Third Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. To get the findings released in this report the CDC took samples of blood and urine samples from thousands of people across the United States for 148 environmental chemicals and discovered a significant reduction since previous reports in exposure to secondhand smoke and lead in children’s blood. But while this is good news, the same study revealed that most people in the United States, especially children, have an accumulation of a dangerous mixture of chemicals, such as pesticides and toxic compounds used in consumer products, in their bodies.
| Below
is a list of the findings in the study: |
|
| 1. | Approximately 1 in 18 women of child bearing years have levels of mercury at or above the safe level set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). |
| 2. | More than 1 in 20 people in the United States carry dangerously high levels of cadmium, coming primarily from exposure to tobacco smoke. In recent studies it was discovered that cadmium is linked to kidney damage and low bone mineral density. |
| 3. | In more than half of the samples taken in the study a pesticide, chlorpyrifos, which damages the nervous system was found. This pesticide was more highly concentrated in children ages 6 to 11 years old. The primary source of exposure is through food. |
| 4. | Chemicals called phthalates, found in cosmetics and soft plastics, which influence hormonal and genital development in fetuses, were found to be highly concentrated in the bodies of children at four times higher than EPA’s safe level. |
| 5. | A group of chemical pesticides that have been banned for decades called organochlorides, one of which is DDT, were found in the blood of people. These pesticides are passed from mother to developing baby in the womb, and when she breast-feeds. |
Chemical Warfare
The above report reveals that whether we like it or not we are all involved
in chemical warfare. Due to widespread chemical use in our society we
are constantly being exposed on a daily basis to toxic substances that
are contributing to cancer, birth defects or abnormal development, brain
and nervous system damage, hormonal and reproductive imbalances, and compromised
immunity.
Support and Detoxify Your Body
Obviously to protect against this chemical barrage we need a sound defense.
We can begin by eating the freshest and cleanest food possible which has
not been raised by commercial farmers who use pesticides and other chemicals
on the soil or the food itself. Also, avoiding tap water with it’s chlorine,
sodium fluoride, and other chemicals. I usually recommend distilled water
with minerals added. While we should avoid drinking sodas and fruit juices
that have been sitting in store shelves because of their poor nutritional
value, chemical and sugar content, there is another equally important
reason to do so. Since most of these liquids come packaged in plastic
and metal containers the contents will leach the chemicals out of them
being taken into the body of everyone who drinks them. It is best to drink
clean healthy water and fresh juiced organic vegetables and fruit juices.
Of course even if we ate the freshest cleanest food and drank the cleanest water we are still exposed to chemicals in the air and the our environment, in and outside the home.
Keep the Channels of Elimination
Open
While our bodies are designed to eliminate waste and unwanted pollutants
they can use a little help. We need to make sure the colon is clean and
healthy and not backed up with old encrusted fecal matter, preventing
the proper and timely elimination of waste. This holds true for the small
intestine as well. Food that is allowed to stay inside our bodies too
long begins to rot and putrefy causing what is called autointoxication.
This where the putrefying waste material is being absorbed into our blood
stream poisoning the entire body. Waste that stays too long inside the
colon will increase the risk of colon cancer. Also, as this unhealthy
coating builds up on the surface of the small intestine it covers the
small villi reducing, and sometimes preventing, the absorption of nutrients
from our food contributing to a malnourished and unhealthy condition.
Proper Liver Function and Overall Health
The human liver, which weighs around 4 ½ pounds, is extremely important
to our overall health as it manufacturers 13,000 chemicals, 2,000 enzymes,
plus thousands of other synergists for body functions. The liver is responsible
for what is called humanizing nutrients. In other words, as we take in
nutrients it has to convert them into forms that our body can recognize
and use.
Some processes the liver is responsible for include, the breakdown of
excess hormones such as estrogen, production of cholesterol for cell and
brain health, works with the pancreas to regulate blood sugar, filters
blood, produces bile for fat digestion, breaks down old red blood cells,
neutralizes harmful substances, and changes toxic substances from a fat
soluble form into a mycellized, or water, form that the kidneys can excrete.
Due to the improper elimination of waste
from the intestines, especially the colon, and its absorption into the
blood stream the liver becomes overburdened. As the liver becomes backed
up with waste matter from our colon and the thousands of chemicals from
our food, water, cosmetics, plastics, household cleaning supplies, medications,
workplace toxins, and whatever other chemicals we are exposed to in our
environment, it can no longer neutralize the toxins in our blood allowing
them to build up in our body. When the liver is impaired it can also contribute
to things such as high cholesterol and fat buildup in the blood stream,
low energy levels, poor wound healing and muscle repair, weakened immune
function, poor blood sugar control, reduced fat burning and weight gain.
Probiotics - Friendly
Bacteria
We have about four pounds of bacteria living in our digestive tract. In
fact it is considered an organ. In a healthy bowel about 85% of it should
be good and 15% bad. This is referred to as symbiosis because of the healthy
beneficial relationship between the bacteria and our body. The two primary
strains of bacteria are bifidus and acidophilus. From these two the body
develops other friendly strains with their particular benefits. Please
note the benefits of the two strains of friendly bacteria below.
| Benefits of Bifidobacteria | |
| 1. | Protects the integrity of the intestinal lining by preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. |
| 2. | Maintains a healthy acid pH balance in the intestine which prevents disease-producing microbes from gaining a foothold. |
| 3. | Reduces the negative effects of antibiotics. |
| 4. | The primary bacteria in infants which strengthens their immune system and helps them grow. |
| 5. | Protects against bowel cancer by preventing the growth of bacteria that produce nitrates, cancer producing chemicals. |
| 6. | Reduces the toxic load of the liver by inhibiting the production and absorption of toxins by disease-causing bacteria. |
| 7. | Manufactures B vitamins. |
| 8. | Assists in the regulation of peristalsis, muscle movement of the intestines, for healthy bowel elimination. |
| 9. | Helps in the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-induced diarrhea. |
| Benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus | |
| 1. | Prevents the overgrowth of disease-producing microbes such as Candida, E. Coli, H. Pylori and Salmonella. |
| 2. | Helps in the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-induced diarrhea. |
| 3. | Improves the absorption of nutrients. |
| 4. | Maintains the integrity of the intestinal wall to protect against the absorption of antigens such as toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles which could produce an antigenic response. An antigenic response is where the immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulins in response to the presence of antigens in the blood. These antigens can also trigger other physiologic responses such as inflammation which, if left unchecked, can progress slowly and subclincally, which means the individual is not manifesting the characteristic clinical symptoms, adversely affecting the health of the intestines, including the digestion and absorption of food. |
| 5. | Reduces the stress due to food poisoning. |
| 6. | Maintains an acid pH in the intestines which creates a hostile environment inhibiting the growth of pathogens, agents that causes disease, especially a living microorganism such as a bacterium or fungus, and yeasts. |
How Friendly Bacteria Become Bad
Bacteria and Their Effects On the Body
Due to processed foods, sugars, sodas, various drugs from your physician
and over the counter medications such Tylenol and Aspirin, low fiber,
antibiotics from your physician and food, alcohol, smoking, stress, and
backed up rotting food in the intestines, these friendly bacteria are
reduced down to 15% or lower and the majority now become 85% or more bad.
This is referred to as dysbiosis because of the unhealthy relationship
between the bacteria and the body.
With the majority of the bacteria being in a dysbiotic, or bad state,
there will be reduced digestion and absorption of nutrients from our food
and there will the unhealthy growth of bad bacteria, germs, microbes and
other harmful pathogens. The immune system will be weakened as well, since
70% of it is located in the small intestine.
The surface of the bowel wall also becomes impaired, and in many cases
damaged, resulting in what is called leaky-gut syndrome. This is where
undigested food and other matter not normally permitted into the bloodstream
enters creating allergic and inflammatory reactions as the immune system
becomes activated.
As the harmful pathogens grow in number and travel into the blood stream
through the now weakened intestinal wall, the overburdened liver cannot
eliminate them, and the immune system due to its weakened state cannot
fend them off. As a result the individual’s health becomes impaired and
the immune system can become altered and begin attacking our own body
instead of defending it. This can result in increased inflammation of
various tissues such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective.
Excessive and long term inflammation can affect the joints contributing
to stiffness and pain and increase the risk of osteoarthritis, and could
possibly induce auto immune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
The cardiovascular system will be affected as well increasing the risk
of heart attack and stroke. In fact, physicians now perform a blood test
for C-Reactive Protein which indicates the level of inflammation of the
cardiovascular system. The higher your C-Reactive Protein the greater
your risk of heart attack and stroke, as much as three times higher.
Parasites
Last but not least, is something most people do not consider, parasites.
A parasite is an organism that obtains its food, nutrition, and shelter
by living in or on another organism. People can be a host to over one
hundred different types of parasites. In a person with a healthy immune
and digestive system most parasites are destroyed and eliminated. But
since most people in the United States do not have a healthy immune and
digestive system, parasites can make their home inside of you contributing
to our bad health in many ways.
Parasites do not just come from the food we eat. We can also get them
through our skin, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and from animals.
| Once parasites are established in the body, they can do four things: | |
| 1. | Parasites, such as the various worms known to inhabit humans, can cause damage to the body by making holes in the intestines, liver, lungs, and cardiovascular system. When holes are made in the intestines, chyme, which is the thick semifluid mass of partly digested food that is passed from the stomach to the duodenum, can enter the lymphatic system producing allergic reactions. Some of the parasites known to invade the human body are Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Pinworms, Tapeworms, Flukes, Spirochetes, and single celled parasites called Protozoa. |
| 2. | Parasites are also able to damage, destroy, and block organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs causing a great deal of suffering. This is accomplished by lumping together so as to make a ball comparable to a tumor. |
| 3. | The parasites steal our nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, as they live in our body. As the parasites continue to take our nutrients we become malnourished resulting in anemia and drowsiness after meals, a sign that parasites are present. |
| 4. | Just like people have to eliminate waste after they eat so do the parasites. Each parasite eliminates its own toxic waste into the body, our host, which is already weakened, putting more stress on the body as it works hard to eliminate these poisons. When the host is poisoned with the parasite’s waste it is called verminous intoxication. This condition is difficult to diagnose and often is missed by physicians. If left untreated it can become quite serious and cause a great deal of suffering. |
Some Symptoms of Parasite Infection
Some symptoms of parasitical infection are feeling bloated, tired and,
or, hungry, allergies, gas, fuzzy headedness, and feeling toxic. There
are some parasites that can fool the host’s body that it is part of its
tissue so it will not try to eliminate them. This forces the body to work
extra hard to eliminate its own waste and that of the parasites.
Arming Yourself Against Chemical Warfare
While we may live in a world where we are surrounded by toxic
waste of all kinds inside and outside our body, not to mention parasites,
there are many things that we can do to eliminate and prevent them.
Below is a list that can assist you in getting started. For many people
it will be a complete lifestyle change. Do not the list overwhelm you.
Gradually incorporate them into your life. For example, if you have been
drinking tap water switch to distilled water and add minerals to eliminate
the chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals contained in the water. You
can obtain the minerals from your local health food store. They are made
by a company called Trace Mineral Research. Add about 1 to 2 teaspoons
per gallon of distilled water. Once you have done that for about a week
make another small change. As you make these small changes you will notice
your overall health and energy improving.
For others who are already practicing many of things on the the list you
may find areas where you can further strengthen your defenses and health.
In a future newsletter I will provide more details on the supplements
that can be incorporated to cleanse and support the body. Good health
to you and your loved ones!
| To assist our body in this chemical warfare we need to: | |
| 1. | Eat rarely,
or avoid processed foods such as, sugar, candy, baked goods such as
cookies, doughnuts, cakes, pies, pastries, packaged cereals, and sugary
beverages, and artificial sweeteners. Eat as much fresh healthy preservative-free food as possible, especially a variety of organically grown fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as organically grown brown rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, and others, whole grain flour-free breads such as the ones Foods for Life puts out, and whole grain pastas. Reduce or eliminate the intake of red meat, and eat more beans and lentils. If you want to eat soy products only eat it in its fermented form such as tempeh. Try to eat omega rich, EPA and DHA, fish 2 or more times a week, eggs are fine but do not fry them and use organic. Eat raw nuts and seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, almonds, and walnuts, avoid bad fats like margarine and other processed oils, use oils and fats that are healthy such like extra virgin olive and sesame oil, free of trans fatty acids. If you want to use butter make sure it is organic and use it sparingly. Eliminate or keep to a minimum, 1 cup a day of coffee and, or, tannic acid containing teas like Lipton, and use tannic acid free herbal teas. Eliminate dairy and soy milk and use rice or almond milk, drink clean healthy water free of chemicals and fresh juiced vegetables and fruits, with the emphasis on vegetable juices. |
| 2. | Supplement the diet with a high quality multi/vitamin mineral supplement and antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, A, Beta Carotene, selenium, zinc, and others. |
| 3. | Keep our body’s natural means of elimination, which is made up of the small intestines, the colon, liver, kidneys, blood, skin, and the lymphatic system, open and working well on a daily basis by using a good program of internal cleansing at least once or twice a year. |
| 4. | Incorporate a parasite removal program at least once or twice a year. Can be done when internal cleansing. |
| 5. | Take probiotics to encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines so that it is 85% good. |
| 6. | Support the immune system by using natural supplements such as probiotics and other immune supporting supplements. |
| 7. | Exercise regularly. (Aerobically(with oxygen), getting your heart rate up with fast walking or swimming for the heart and cardiovascular system and fat burning, and anaerobically(without oxygen), or with resistance, to strengthen muscles, bones, improve digestion and elimination, balance, and posture. Also improves the elimination of excess body fat as it restores lost muscle tissue due to inactivity and aging and maintains it for more efficient calorie burning.) |
| 8. | Get adequate sleep and rest. |
| 9. | Reduce stress as much as possible. |
References:
Patrick Holford, M.D., The Optimum Nutrtion Bible, The Crossing Press, 1999
Elizabeth Lipski, M.S., C.N.N, Digestive Wellness, Keats Publishing, 1996
Hanna Kroeger, Parasites The Enemy Within, Hanna Kroeger Publications, 1991
Sources for the study:
Third National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals 2005, www.cdc.gov
Los Angeles Times, 7/22/05
A Brief Comparison to CDC’s 2005 National Exposure Report, Physicians for Social Responsibility, www.psr.org
Pesticide Action Network, www.panna.org
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice which should always be obtained from a qualified health practitioner, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.
Copyright© 2005 by Live Well Naturally. The use of information found in Live Well Naturally Newsletter is prohibited without the written permission of the author.
