In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the global population is not as healthy as once anticipated. This is not solely driven by people living longer but rather by a rise in chronic illnesses, autoimmunity, fatigue, and generally inflammatory issues. The question arises: why is this becoming an increasing problem, and what has happened in the last few decades that has resulted in this global issue?
Environmental Toxicity and Its Impact
Since the 1960s, crops have been sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, causing toxicity in the diet. Additionally, energy sources now rely on the burning of fossil fuels, and people are digging for metals to use in daily life, resulting in environmental toxicity. Almost everyone is carrying toxic matter, even if they are asymptomatic.
Oxidative Stress and Its Consequences
Oxidative stress increases the risk of inflammation, resulting in chronic illnesses, autoimmunity, cancers, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disease. Interestingly, some people are genetically more prone to toxicity than others. Factors such as smoking, alcohol, BPA packaging, herbicides, and glyphosate (a herbicide spread across crops known to cause mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress) all contribute to toxicity. Lead found in pipes can damage the nervous system, while BPAs (a significant component of non-stick pans) have been linked to cancer and infertility. Many fish in the ocean contain toxic mercury levels, which can cause cognitive and motor dysfunction. Fish and rice also contain arsenic, as does paint. Infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and COVID-19 cause innate immune cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill invading pathogens, increasing oxidative stress, which has been linked to multiple cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
Assessing Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Genetics
A saliva test can evaluate your risk and measure exposure levels using a traffic-light system. This test detects 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to antioxidant genetics, while a complementary urine test identifies 16 markers of oxidative damage. Free radicals induce oxidative stress by attacking healthy cells, leading to mitochondrial DNA damage and dysfunction. This process accelerates aging, and as aging progresses, mitochondrial function continues to decline, creating a compounding effect.
Detoxification and Antioxidant Strategies
To detoxify, you need more antioxidants to outbalance the reactive oxygen species, infections, and toxins. Common antioxidants include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, and various polyphenols. Lifestyle changes to reduce toxicity include starting the day with sweating, drinking a glass of warm water, and following it up with a good fat-friendly shake containing all your vitamins. Consuming only organic foods and home water throughout the day is recommended. Severe toxification may require plasmapheresis in a registered clinic. Removing toxins significantly reduces aging, senescence, inflammation, and boosts immunity.
Endogenous Antioxidants and Diet
Your body produces endogenous antioxidants to detoxify, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, thioredoxin, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase. Ensuring a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E enables this functioning pathway. The only 100% antioxidant genetics tests evaluate each gene for antioxidant capacity.
References
Ames, B. N., Shigenaga, M. K., & Hagen, T. M. (1993). Oxidants, Antioxidants, and the Degenerative Diseases of Aging. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 90(17), 7915-7922.
Mnif, W., et al. (2011). Effect of Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals on Human Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(6), 2265-2303.
Valko, M., et al. (2007). Free Radicals and Antioxidants in Normal Physiological Functions and Human Disease. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 39(1), 44-84.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Glyphosate Interim Registration Review Decision. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov
Jomova, K., & Valko, M. (2011). Advances in Metal-Induced Oxidative Stress and Human Disease. Toxicology, 283(2-3), 65-87.
