Toxicity in Food and Hygiene Products

The preparation of food and the regulation of hygiene products has made large advances in the past few decades. Nowadays, it is easy to find prepared and packaged foods in grocery stores and it is also simple to find hygienic products that are staple pieces in our lifestyles. However, there are some downfalls and complications when valuing convenience. Today, most of our foods are composed of chemicals, additives, and preservatives that are known to harm human and animal life. Hygienic products such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, body lotions, etc. also contain ingredients that may poorly impact the human body.

As researchers investigate these ingredients, their findings advise to avoid chemically-processed foods, heavy pesticides, food dyes (red #40, blue #1, yellow #5, etc.), heavy metals, and other environmental toxins. Purchasing whole foods and clean hygienic products will reduce the use of these additives. However, since these ingredients can still linger in whole foods and clean hygienic products, it is important to recognize the possible dangers of these additives.

Since the health of the population is heavily determined by what humans consume, taking precautions when buying foods and lifestyle products is a healthy habit. Public health is at risk when consuming toxic foods and products, ultimately leading to larger healthcare costs and increases in chronic/autoimmune diseases.

Toxicants to Avoid in Food:

1) Bisphenol A (BPA) / Bisphenol S: BPA is a chemical found in plastic food/beverage containers and in the lining of metal cans. Research shows that this chemical has the ability to contaminate food and beverages through packaging. BPA can mimic estrogen and interfere with fertility as it binds to the receptor sites meant for estrogen. Other studies have shown that BPA has been associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk in breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Fortunately, most containers are now BPA-free (look for this label when purchasing containers). However, a similar compound known as bisphenol S is currently replacing BPA. One study states that bisphenol S (BPS) “works via different pathways than does BPA while causing equivalent obesogenic effects, such as activating preadipocytes, and that BPS was correlated with metabolic disorders, such as gestational diabetes, that BPA was not correlated with. BPS was also shown to be more toxic to the reproductive system than BPA and was shown to hormonally promote certain breast cancers at the same rate as BPA.”

Reducing exposure to BPA/BPS includes avoiding plastic dishware and single-use water bottles. Instead, use glass or steel dishware!

2) Added Sugars: Added sugars are high in fructose, a simple sugar that when consumed in excess is related to serious conditions known as fatty liver disease, type II diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Since added sugar is addictive, this is one of the hardest ingredients to reduce in diet. Other effects of consuming excessive amounts of added sugars include:

Impairing cholesterol levels - this may lead to heart conditions due to fat accumulation around vital organs.
An increase of uric acid within the blood - this may lead to gout and general inflammation.
Cause insulin resistance - this may lead to type II diabetes.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 5 tsps of added sugar for women, and 9 tsps for men. In order to reduce added sugars in a person’s diet, limit sugar-sweetened drinks and foods, find sugar-like alternative foods/beverages, and consume naturally-occurring sugar found in produce!

3) Glyphosate: Glyphosate is an herbicidal ingredient in commercial weed-killing products, a popular one is RoundUp by Monsanto. It is commonly found in corn, cereals, soybeans, grains, rice, and produce.

Since 1974, this product has been registered with the EPA and was introduced into our agricultural system. Although the EPA determined that glyphosate is non-toxic, the IARC lists this ingredient as a “probable carcinogen” and its use has not been restricted. Studies have shown that glyphosate has been found to have “cytotoxic and genotoxic” effects that can be seen to cause inflammation and immunosuppression.

Mammal studies have proven that glyphosate causes the disruption in the estrogen pathway, increased levels of oxidative stress, and brain impairments. Other studies have shown that glyphosate causes corrosive gastrointestinal symptoms. For example, there is a strong link between gluten intolerances and glyphosate toxicities. It is hypothesized that glyphosate causes damage to the tight junctions between the cells and the intestines as well as mitochondrial damage that later leads to a gluten intolerance. A 2013 study found that it is “the most important causal factor” in Celiac disease. This study also is quoted to say that glyphosate is “a key contributor to the obesity epidemic and the autism epidemic in the United States, as well as to several other diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, infertility, depression, and cancer.”

Glyphosate may also cause respiratory distress, dizziness, weakness, low blood pressure, skin irritation/rashes, food sensitivities, and thyroid problems. Ways to reduce glyphosate exposure include:

Purchasing organic produce. If this is difficult, purchase the “dirty dozen” list as mostly organic as they are more prone to pesticides.
Washing produce thoroughly - a mix of baking soda, vinegar, and water works!
Soaking rice before cooking it! Rice carries heavy metals and glyphosate easily.
Looking for lawn treatment products and weed-killers without glyphosate in the ingredients list.

4) Mercury: Although fish are a healthy source of protein, certain types of fish have been found to have high levels of mercury, a toxic heavy metal. Fish that live in environments where mercury has been exposed to or leaked in are dangerous as they feed on the surrounding plants and fish to survive. Ingesting mercury-infected food sources accumulates within the fish and is later consumed by humans.

Since mercury is a neurotoxin, a toxin that damages the nervous system and brain, a mercury-toxicity may lead to ADHD, brain fog, neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathy, depression/anxiety, etc. A 2014 study even found that coastal community populations had significantly higher mercury levels than non-coastal communities.

Specific fish known to be higher in mercury levels include shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. Fish with lower levels of mercury include shrimp, salmon, and pollock. The FDA has provided a list of advice for eating fish as well.

5) Refined Oils: Refined seed and vegetable oils such as canola oil, corn oil, and soybean oil are highly-processed. These oils are typically high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and although omega-6s are not inherently bad, they are concerning in large consumption amounts. Since they are at high risk of rancidity and oxidation, they can become harmful quickly. Omega-6s may also cause inflammation if the body is not receiving enough omega-3 fatty acids.

Oils that are extracted from naturally-oily foods such as avocado, coconut, and olives are great alternatives for refined vegetable and seed oils.

Other notable toxins worth avoiding when reading food labels include:

Sodium Nitrate: a chemical added to preserve processed meats and has been linked to cancer.
Carrageenan: a thickening agent that has been seen to cause ulcers and breast cancer.
Food Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1): food dyes that are "carcinogenic".

It is impossible to avoid every toxin in the food system, but it is possible to reduce exposure by consuming organic foods, washing produce, and reading ingredient labels!

Toxicants in Hygienic Products to Avoid:

1) Aluminum: Aluminum is a heavy metal commonly-used in deodorant. A 2005 study stated that “aluminum is known to have a genotoxic profile, capable of causing both DNA alterations and epigenetic effects, and this would be consistent with a potential role in breast cancer if such effects occurred in breast cells.”

Aluminum-based deodorants can create a “temporary plug” to stop the flow of sweat to the skin. This blocks the lymphatic system from clearing toxins from the underarm region, creating an environment where toxins and metals can accumulate. Purchasing aluminum-free deodorant is an alternative to aluminum-based deodorants.

2) Parabens: Parabens are preservative chemicals commonly-used in shampoos/conditioners, deodorants, hair styling products, and makeup. A 2017 study stated that “parabens have been associated with disturbances of estrogen hormone action and potential estrogenic activities of parabens have been extensively investigated in the past decades.” This may cause hormonal imbalances.

Parabens have also been associated with breast cancer. Since parabens can penetrate the skin and act as a weakened version of estrogen, this can potentially turn on the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers. To reduce exposure to parabens, purchase hygienic products labeled “paraben-free” or visit the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep website to search for cosmetic products for the safety of ingredients.

3) Talc: Talc is a mineral used in cosmetics and genital powders. Unfortunately, talc may contain asbestos, another naturally-occurring mineral that is linked to cancer and mesothelioma. Avoiding talc-based powders all together should be avoided.

4) Fragrance: Fragrance is a term that describes thousands of chemicals that are potentially unsafe for human usage. Fragrance is found in perfumes, shampoos, body lotions, shaving creams, etc. This blanket term can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory reactions such as asthma and headaches. Fragrance may also cause hormonal imbalances as well as block the lymphatic system due to its toxic chemical make up.

5) Phthalates: Phthalates are preservatives found in cosmetics, shampoos, deodorants, soaps, and even children’s toys! These chemicals are linked to ADHD, endometriosis, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and cancer.

The most prevalent concern regarding phthalate exposure is the impact they have on the endocrine system, specifically on male fertility. A 2016 review stated that “review of papers regarding laboratory animals confirmed that phthalates cause diminished sperm count, increased frequency of abnormal spermatozoa and DNA damage in germ cells, especially after chronic exposure and in case exposure of immature animals.” Though this is not a human study, it shows potential signs of toxicity.

Personal care products should not hinder our health! Swapping toxic products one-by-one may ease the transition into a healthier lifestyle. It is impossible to live a toxin-free life, but it is possible to start limiting exposure to possible health hazards!

If you believe you are dealing with chronic illness, please contact a functional provider. Dr. Jaban Moore, a functional medicine provider, can help you if you are experiencing chronic symptoms.

Please reach out if you are interested in taking your health back! You can give our office a call at (816) 889-9801.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4602822/#:~:text=BPA%20can%20mimic%20estrogen%20to,to%20cancer%20development%20and%20progression

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/2019/4068717/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28929027/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4602822/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32092919/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673878/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16234313/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27194405/

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/circulationaha.109.192627

https://www.iarc.who.int/featured-news/media-centre-iarc-news-glyphosate/