In today's rapidly evolving world, where industrialization and modern lifestyles have brought about remarkable advancements, there's a growing concern regarding the unseen threats lurking in our environment. Environmental toxins, ranging from air and water pollutants to chemicals found in everyday products, pose significant risks to human health, including the ominous specter of cancer. Minimizing exposure to these toxins is paramount in safeguarding ourselves against the daunting risk of cancer. In this blog, as your Annapolis MD chiropractors we'll explore the importance of adopting measures to avoid or reduce exposure to environmental toxins as a crucial strategy in the prevention and mitigation of cancer.

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Reduce Exposure In Annapolis MD

According to the World Health Organization, about one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low intake of vegetables and fruits, and lack of exercise. However, early detection and effective treatment significantly increase the chances of curing many types of cancer (2024). Environmental toxins play a crucial role in the broader landscape of cancer risk factors, intertwining with lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, diet, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. While these lifestyle factors contribute significantly to cancer incidence, environmental toxins further exacerbate the risk by introducing additional carcinogens into our bodies. Air pollutants, water contaminants, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and other environmental toxins have been linked to various forms of cancer, acting as co-factors that amplify the detrimental effects of unhealthy habits. Therefore, reducing exposure to environmental toxins complements efforts to address lifestyle-related risk factors, forming a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and mitigation.

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Environmental Toxins

Environmental toxins are commonly described as being everywhere, causing some to throw their hands up in dismissal. But you can start now by making small, gradual changes. There’s so much information that we’ve decided to include it in two separate posts. Below is a list of ways to avoid or minimize your exposure to environmental toxins:

• Eat Organic: Conventionally grown produce has been sprayed with glyphosate and organophosphates, which have been classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (IARC, 2017). Washing conventional produce is not enough, unfortunately. While washing produce is a good practice to remove dirt, pesticide residues, and some surface contaminants, it may not completely eliminate all carcinogenic environmental toxins, as some toxins may be absorbed into the produce or present in the soil and water used for irrigation.
• Use Filtered Water: Tap water contains heavy metals like arsenic, chlorination byproducts, and chemicals including Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), all of which are known carcinogens. To limit exposure, it's important to use filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis, that are certified to remove specific contaminants, and regularly test water quality. Boiling tap water is not enough to remove these harmful contaminants, so make sure to use filtered water when cooking.
• Use Glass Or Stainless Steel Containers: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that measure less than 5 millimeters in size and can be found in various environments, most prevalent in plastic water bottles and containers. Research suggests that microplastics may act as carriers for other toxic substances, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals, which have been linked to cancer (Campanale et al., 2020). When microplastics are ingested, these associated contaminants can leach into the body and pose health risks. Glass or stainless steel bottles are generally considered safe for drinking water and other beverages. Unlike some plastics, stainless steel does not contain harmful chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol A) or phthalates that can leach into liquids.

Here at Living Health Integrative Medicine, we offer in-depth testing for environmental toxins and their effects on the body, such as testing for heavy metals, parasites, gut health, and we even provide tests that assess your body's ability to detoxify and eliminate toxins. In addition, we provide IV Nutrition Therapy for patients who qualify, such as those who have impaired immune function.

CLICK HERE to schedule your Functional Medicine Consultation to optimize your health and reduce the chance of chronic diseases before they start!

Stay tuned for more information in our next post on environmental toxins and how to reduce your exposure.

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References

• Campanale, C., Massarelli, C., Savino, I., Locaputo, V., & Uricchio, V. F. (2020). A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(4), 1212. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041212
• Hogervorst, J. G. F., & Schouten, L. J. (2022). Dietary acrylamide and human cancer; even after 20 years of research an open question. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 116(4), 846–847. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac192
• IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans (2017). Some Organophosphate Insecticides and Herbicides. Lyon (FR): International Agency for Research on Cancer. (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, No. 112.) 6, Evaluation. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436787/
• IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. (2018). Red Meat and Processed Meat. International Agency for Research on Cancer.