The symptoms related to low-level or intensive toxic exposures run the gamut of the most familiar acute and chronic degenerative dis-ease complaints. Inflammation, irritation, headaches, fatigue, skin problems, mood swings, gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), lethargy, anxiety, and depression, to name a few.

The goal is to eliminate the toxins already accumulated in your body and to prevent any further toxic exposures to the best of your ability. Any stored or accumulated toxins in your body will continue to impede normal functioning in your liver, kidneys, lungs, digestive system, and nervous system.

These toxins most often seek shelter in fat and muscle tissues (in the case of chemicals and pesticides) or in our bones (in the case of heavy metals). If you believe this may be happening to you, it is essential that you absolutely prevent all future exposures and do your best to systematically detoxify yourself from any and all previous exposures. Otherwise, it becomes increasingly difficult to overcome any health challenges. Consult with your primary health care provider, members of your proactive health care team, and the following references for possible solutions.

Possible sources of exposure:

• Solvents such as turpentine, oil-based or latex paints and thinners, denatured alcohol (paint, wax, and varnish removers or strippers), spot removers, degreasers, gasoline, fabric softeners, chlorine, bleach.

• Pesticides in house and garden bug sprays, pet sprays, flea collars, pest strips, weed killers, pool supplies, rodent control products, outgassing from synthetic carpets, draperies, particle board and other non-organic building materials.

• Poor ventilation and lighting, too much time in front of the computer, photocopier solution and toner, synthetic materials (such as certain paints), some synthetic carpets, underpadding and adhesives, formaldehyde, sealers, waxes, disinfectants, cleaning agents, insulation materials, fluorescent lights.

• Many everyday personal hygiene and cosmetic products contain ingredients, additives, and preservatives that can upset the GI tract and accumulate in the body as toxic residues. Alternative toothpaste brands started to emerge about 30 years ago in response to early reports that several very common commercial grade toothpaste additives could be toxic. Fluoride, propylene glycol (an active ingredient in anti-freeze), sodium lauryl sulfate, and DEA (di-ethanolamine) were at the top of the list. Some organic and natural toothpaste manufacturers label fluoride as a toxin and caution parents not to allow children to swallow it. Aluminum silicates in certain antiperspirants have been linked to breast cancer in men and women. Many people find that certain inhaled substances from fabric softeners, colognes and perfumes, and even scented laundry detergent can aggravate a variety of GI symptoms.

• Mercury amalgam fillings have been banned in Europe and Scandinavia for several decades. Mercury, along with silver and tin, may promote antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria and cause harmful overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. Although it is observed that these toxic metals are released from the fillings in very small amounts, they can accumulate in the body in much larger and potentially dangerous amounts.

• Even clothing can be toxic. Some people have an affinity for natural fiber fabrics like cotton and wool, and an aversion to synthetic fabrics, artificial colorings, and dyes of any kind.

Some references for possible solutions...