Environment:
The environment today contains toxins in water, air and soil which are then absorbed into our bodies. Many household products contain substances our bodies find toxic. On this page there are 3 sections. The first is devoted to heavy metals.
The second includes information about where you can find information on product safety. The third considers sources of information about environmental concerns. GMO's are such a significant environmental concern I have devoted an entire page to them.
Heavy Metals:
Heavy metals often play a role in neurological and behavioral dysfunctions. These are metals our bodies did not evolve to use. When they enter our systems they can disrupt normal metabolic reactions. They also can be stored in fat or the liver and be released at a later time.
Heavy metals enter our bodies in a variety of ways with each individual responding in a unique way. The most common ways we take then in are through breathing (often a problem in industrial areas), food we eat (seafood is most common), water we drink, dental amalgams and vaccinations as metal adjuvants are often used to boost their effectiveness.
Testing for heavy metals is not commonly done. Their presence can be determined through hair, blood and urine analysis.
In 2018 I heard a youtube interview with Dr Christopher Shade (PhD) discussing his work which focuses on mercury. This article which can be read or listened to has practical ideas on reducing mercury intake in your diet, ways to test and remove mercury from the body.
Dr. Chris Exley is a leading researcher on aluminum (he is also featured on the vaccine page) from the United Kingdom. Dr. Exley was interviewed about his lifelong research on aluminum at the International Conference of Autoimmunity held in Lisbon, Portugal in May 2018. In the interview Dr Exley discusses his work on both Alzheimer's and autism. This interview also includes a short interview with Dr. Yehuda Shoenfeld MD of Israel, the conference organizer. The interview is conducted by Del Bigtree of the online program "The Highwire" which takes on controversial topics.
Products:
The chemicals we use on our bodies ie. shampoo, lotions, deodorant, etc. all contain chemicals, many of which stress our bodies most particularly the liver whose primary function it is to remove toxins. Anyone struggling with toxic overload including children with "problems" would benefit from reducing the strain on their detoxifying systems. Today there are a number of supports to do this.
The David Suzuki Foundation website has a blog entitled "The Queen of Green" where questions regarding health and products are discussed.
The Guide To Less Toxics Products which is produced by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia (EHANS) lists products which sensitive people have found helpful along with information about chemicals which impact human health.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an American organization which does research and advocacy work. They publish a variety of consumer guides to support those looking for answers.
come
Fluoride,a chemical added to the water of many communities, has appeared as a potential neurotoxin in an article published in the respected American medical journal Jama Pediatrics. This journal published a Canadian studied which showed a lower IQ level in 3-4 year old boys whose mothers had consumed fluoridated water. A podcast was made by Jama Pediatrics which is worth listening to.
Information about Environmental Concerns:
There are a multitude of sources of information related to environmental concerns. Listed below are connections to respected sources environmental information.
The Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine ( CONEM) is an organization based in Norway with a truly international scope. Their website gives access to research, videos etc offering professionals to share their work. The website is very accessible to anyone interested in the topic.
The Endocrine Disruption Exchange has excellent information on chemicals in the environment which impact hormones and alter how our bodies work. This is an impressive organization. The website contains a TEDX list of potential products allowing you to check whether a substance in a product you are using is a potential endocrine disruptor. An excellent way to find out about research into particular substances.
In Canada Alternatives Journal is a quarterly magazine which explores current environmental issues. They have a comprehensive website which can connect you to further information.
The David Suzuki Foundation which was founded by Dr. David Suzuki is a respected voice in Canada on all issues environmental.
The Silent Spring Institute has a focus on breast cancer but has excellent research on food packaging and concerns about water quality.
This wonderful little video entitled Do No Harm created by the American organization Health Care Without Harm shows some ways our health care system is connected to our overall health. Health care is a system and we need to consider its total impact on the environment. It is so encouraging to see progressive people working in this system taking actions which make their practices more responsible.
The website organization Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) is a wonderful source of information. This organization is for physicians but contains information for the general public discussing health concerns related to the environment including toxins, climate change, etc. It also connects people to initiatives being undertaken to bring attention to health and environment.
Schumacker College in England has been a long term leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility. They post "open evening" talks on the internet. Many of their presenters are leaders in environmental action from around the world and are well worth a listen.
A little book I discovered written by Diana Beresford-Kroeger entitled The Global Forest I found altered my view of plants. In this youtube talk Diana Beresfod-Kroeger discusses her writing.
Joanna Macy, a systems thinker and Buddhist, leads workshops related to environmental action. Her most recent book "Active Hope", which is co written with Chris Johnstone, has become well known as a guide for those concerned about the environment.