Harmful Metals and Chemicals Could Be Damaging Your Brain
The Effects of Harmful Toxins on the Brain
We often absorb harmful chemicals and metals without even realizing it. How are these toxins getting into our system, and what does that mean for our brain and bodies?
How Metals and Chemicals Enter Our Bodies
There are several ways metals and chemicals can get into our system and cause damage to our brains. They can be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, or through our skin via cosmetics and sunscreens, body soaps and laundry detergents. They can also enter our bodies from processed foods, unhealthy supplements or water. Some people have a strong detox system and have no symptoms. Others do not have a healthy intestinal tract and immune system and have “leaky” intestines which allow these toxins to cross directly into the blood and travel to the blood-brain barrier. There, they damage this protective barrier get into the brain and bind to brain cells causing abnormal function or loss of function.
Metals, in particular, bind to sulfur groups in cells. Fat containing organs such as the brain are very rich in sulphur groups so have plenty of places to bind metals. Metals cause toxic free radical formation, damage DNA, inactivate important enzymes, and trigger inflammation and autoimmune attacks against brain cells themselves!
4 Ways to Reduce Metal in Your Body
Here are some things you can do to reduce the number of toxins coming into your body:
- Eat organic food whenever possible (try growing your own, even if in pots on the porch!),
- Do not eat processed food items (which use chemicals in the cooking processes)
- Do not use anything on your skin that you cannot eat (there are many on line recipes for shampoos, soaps, conditioners, sunscreens, household cleaners, etc. which can be made with common household cooking ingredients and foods!)
- Filter your water (Brita, PUR, Seychelle are brands of pitcher filters available in many stores). Go to Mercola.com and watch the water filter video and read about the different types available.
Martha Lindsay is located in the Greater Boston Area, but can skype or consult via telephone from anywhere. To schedule a consult or appointment with Martha, please call 978.352.6349.