In the previous post by our Annapolis MD chiropractic clinic, we talked about environmental toxins and how to reduce your exposure. In today’s post we have included a few more toxins to watch out for, listed below:

• Use Low-Heat Cooking Methods: Acrylamide is a naturally occurring chemical that forms when foods are subjected to high-temperature cooking methods like frying, roasting, or grilling. Be sure not to char your foods, which causes acrylamide to form through a chemical reaction between certain amino acids and sugars. Instead, steam, lightly saute, boil, or bake foods at lower heat. You can also incorporate acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar into marinades for foods before baking, which will reduce levels of acrylamide.
• Avoid Or Limit Processed Foods: Acrylamide commonly occurs in starchy foods, the top sources being crackers, bread, cookies, breakfast cereals, canned black olives, prune juice, and coffee. To reduce exposure, limit or avoid intake of processed and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to a host of other health problems, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Use Natural Household Cleaners: Aerosol sprays, disinfectants, and carpet cleaners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Switching to natural, plant-based cleaners or making your own using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can reduce VOC exposure. Air fresheners and scented candles also contain VOCs that can be released into the air. Consider using natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers or simply opening windows for ventilation. Please note that many essential oils are toxic to pets so do your research beforehand.
• Eat Small Fish: Heavy metals like arsenic and mercury have been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as known carcinogens. Arsenic is found most commonly in well water, tap water, and shellfish, while mercury is most prevalent in seafood. Smaller fish are recommended due to their lower mercury levels, and as previously recommended, drink filtered water.

Complete avoidance of all exposures may not be feasible, but it is certainly achievable to minimize exposure. Start by tackling one of the suggestions provided, and gradually work your way to a cleaner lifestyle.

---

Fake News In Annapolis MD?

In some cases, controversy exists among researchers regarding what may be cancer-causing and what may not be. But here’s the thing: if there’s any question, why risk it? Furthermore, if some product turns out not to be carcinogenic, it’s often found to contain toxins that can lead to other health problems, such as neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular disease, and more. Why not start taking steps today to live a cleaner lifestyle to improve your overall quality of life?

While there are no guarantees that a person won’t develop cancer at some point in their lifetime, early detection through screening tests and adopting cleaner and healthier lifestyle habits can significantly mitigate the likelihood and improve treatment outcomes.

As we mentioned in our previous post, 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.

Schedule your functional medicine consultation now and take control of your well-being. Don't wait for illness to strike – invest in prevention and thrive. Book your FREE consultation HERE!

---

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.