Are You Surviving or Thriving in Today's Toxic World?

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ~ James 1:5 ~

Environmental toxins can be found in what you eat, drink, breathe, feel and think. You may or may not be aware of them, but chances are if you follow my blog you are aware, more than most, that toxins cause many chronic health conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer.

My experiences with environmental toxins has been life-changing and lead me on a path of research to gain understanding.  It is a passion of mine to share what I learn with those I love so of course  I could not wait to tell you about the upcoming Detox Summit!


Join me online for free from August 4-11, 2014.

This Detox Summit will provide you with the information you need to:

•     Learn about environmental toxins in food, air and water
•     Understand internally-generated toxins, like thoughts, emotions and behaviors
•     Recognize toxins of all types and eliminate them
•     Focus on breakthrough solutions to gain more energy and vitality

Navigate your way through today’s toxic terrain when you register for the free, online Detox Summit today:

"Detox" is a multi-faceted term that means many things to people, from drug and alcohol detoxification to nutritional detoxification, or cleanses using food, smoothies and juices. Deanna Minich, PhD, has selected 30 experts in various areas of medicine, nutrition and personal growth to offer a well-rounded, credible approach to the issues of environmental toxins and holistic health.

Here are a few of the presenters:
Jeffrey Bland, PhD, Father of Functional Medicine
      The Science of Nutritional Detoxification
Mark Hyman, MD, Functional Medicine Expert
      Toxins and Chronic Disease: Why Detox is a Necessity for Good Health
Jeffrey Smith, Leading Spokesperson on GMOs
      Genetically Modified Foods as Toxins in Everyday Eating
David Wolfe, Superfoods Guru
      Foods to Enhance Vitality and Detox
Rainbeau Mars, Fitness Model and Actress
      A Full Spectrum, Superstar Approach to Everyday DetoxWith 30 presenters sharing their wealth of knowledge, this invaluable (and FREE) resource is intended for people everywhere!
Better yet, if you register today you’ll have access to the following FREE eBooksas soon as you register!
  
Food & Spirit Nourish Your Whole Self™ Report, by Deanna Minich, PhD
Detox Your Medicine Cabinet: 26 Herbs and Supplements that Treat Common Symptoms, 

     by Aviva Romm, MD
Top 7 Therapeutic Foods, by Kelly Brogan, MD
Ten Tips for Helping Your Loved One with Autism, by Martha Herbert, MD, PhD
Benefits of Vitamin D, by Soram Khalsa, MD

Come listen to The Detox Summit ONLINE for FREE from August 4-11, and learn to survive in our toxic world!
  To sign up click here - SIGN UP NOW!

I’ll see you at the Summit!

Debbie

Toxic Slippers and the "Less Toxic Guide"

Once I heard that if you pay attention to the things that stir you up or upset you then you will find your passion.  I must say that I am passionate about spreading the word about environmental toxins.  Maybe you do not notice them as I do, but realize that the toxins in our environment are seriously dangerous to our lives.  There are 48 million people who have connected the dots with toxins and their health complaints and consider themselves to have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities or MCS.

I stand on my "soap box" today and tell you there is a high price to pay when we take the easy road when chemicals are involved.  Toxic chemicals bio-accumulate in our bodies and produce disease.  Our bodies were designed to detoxify, but with the pervasive abundance of unsafe chemicals we are exposed on a daily basis, it is evident we all must be vigilant to reduce our toxic burden in order to have the most abundant health.

It takes time and energy to seek out natural sources that are safe if you have chemical sensitivities or are trying to avoid them.

I understand the need, at times, for something to be done fast, but all too often it is not the case, but just taking the "easy" way out.  How many times have we taken the "easy" way and exposed ourselves to toxins?

Just last week we had the exterior of our house power washed and the chemicals overloaded me, so I have been working to detoxify my body with specialized nutrients, sweating in the far infrared sauna, reducing my total body load in my safe "haven" with my Austin air purifier, plus rehabilitating my nervous system with Quantum Neurology, the most awesome technique I have ever experienced.

On Sunday, however, a few minutes in my safe " haven" did not turn out as I expected.   It was baffling to me, so I left the room and thought straightening up the house would make it go away. Usually, moving my body helps me to feel better, but not this time.  I took my best detox nutrients and returned to my "haven" only to continue with the worst foggy brain.  As I sat on the bed struggling to focus and read I spied shoes....bedroom slippers to be exact, that I had gifted my husband last year at Christmas.

Those shoes had been very difficult for me to tolerate last year and they have spent 11 months in "exile "in our garage airing out. Only they never did! My sweet, unsuspecting husband had no idea when he left them near his closet that I would be made ill by them.  I immediately removed the shoes and my brain fog began to clear, although it took a while for me to recover.


I ask you...What toxic chemicals belong on house slippers?  Isn't my brain and cognitive function more important to protect than slippers?

Yes!
 
While it is not possible to escape all toxins in our world we can make the effort to seek out safer  products, but I am most excited to share the do-it-yourself recipes listed in the Less Toxic Guide that I am sharing with you today.


I step off my "soap-box" now and leave you with this comprehensive  Less Toxic Guide to help you to live less toxic in our toxic world. 

A Favorite Place....Nags Head, NC

 

My family and I had a little getaway to our favorite place... Nags Head, North Carolina.  Since I have readers from around the world, I thought you might enjoy a few snapshots from our trip. The beach in May is quiet and a peaceful place.  I love quiet and peaceful. 

Everyone, including the dog had a great time.

This trip is always a "test" for my detox pathways. A few years ago, I became ill very quickly from the toxins in the carpet in my families cottage. This time I was improved and I was able to stay a few days with my Austin air purifier following me from room to room.  That is better than last trip when we had to leave the next day after a miserable night.  I even tried to sleep in the car. This year I felt extremely tired much of the trip.  Fatigue just might be one of my early warning signs, but when my body reached its limit this time I became nauseous.  I don't know how I did it, but I had forgotten some of my key supplements that support detoxification. It was time to pack up and head back home.

I can truly say that my chemical sensitivities have taught me to enjoy the moment, because I don't know how long my tolerance will last.  I cherish these times with my family and posting these pictures here will encourage me to keep on my race. 

Environmental toxins are real, even  though you may not notice them.

Just in case you missed it, Diane Eblin of The Whole Gang recently blogged her story about remodeling and her chemical sensitivities.  She shares two juicing recipes that look fabulous for detox. 

A Wake-Up Story

Most of the time I like to share recipes that we enjoy in our gluten-free journey, but today I want to share a video, A Wake-Up Story, by Healthy Child Healthy World that touches me and reaches deep within my soul.

I am one of those people who got the wake-up call that made me realize the devastating effects of chemicals and the toxic load we all, yes all, carry in our bodies. Environmental illness is real, but we can change this world, one home at a time, by sharing friend to friend ideas to make our homes and world a healthier place.

What is a "leaky" gut?

I remember very well the day that I first heard of "leaky gut" syndrome. It was at my first visit with my naturopath, Dr. Maurice Werness. After a lengthy consultation, he explained to me that I had a "leaky" gut. At the time I didn't really understand what it meant, but I was just glad that he knew what was wrong, and more importantly, his calm presence conveyed hope that I could get better. We began testing with US Biotek Laboratories IgG Antibody Assessment, 96 General Food Panel, for delayed food sensitivities and then I eliminated those highly reactive foods and continued supplementing with specialized nutrients to assist in healing the gut.

Soon after eliminating the allergic foods, I began to understand just how addictive these foods were to me. My doctor was on the phone with my husband giving him the results of my second food intolerance panel, which included a panel of 24 spices and 24 herbs.. He gave instructions for me not to eat anything with vanilla, because my reaction was so high, it was "off the chart." Meanwhile, I was driving home from my hairdresser's making plans to eat something with vanilla! My body was conspiring with my mind and making me crave what gave me more energy. Usually foods that we eat repeatedly, as vanilla, are the foods that will be more reactive, if we have increased intestinal permeability.

The good news was now I knew what to do, but the bad news was these food intolerances stimulated an allergic response which gave me energy; a false energy that constantly overstimulated my immune system and was exhausting my adrenal system. I believe this may have been the trigger that caused my immune system to attack my body and setting the stage for the low platelet disorder, immune thrombocytopenia purpura.

You may wonder why these diet changes are important? According to Metametrix Clinical Laboratory, "The 'leaky gut' phenomenon causes food antigens to permeate into the bloodstream where the immune system generates IgG4 antibodies to protect against more dangerous types of reactions. The process of antibody production and removal cause a metabolic stress". My doctor explained that inflammation could attach itself to random parts of the body far away from the gut as stated on the following quote by US Biotek Laboratories:

The inflammatory process is gradual and may take anywhere from several hours to several days, which is why this type of reaction is termed, delayed. Although immune cells called macrophages dispose of these immune complexes immediately, they only have a finite capacity to do so. Excess antigen may saturate the macrophages capacity resulting in the prolonged circulation of complexes and their deposition into the body tissues. Depending on which tissues are involved, it is thought that these complexes may be implicated in many different conditions/symptoms.

Unfortunately In many celiac disease individuals, there is increased intestinal permeability or "leaky gut" that causes immune responses. I believe that this is a seriously overlooked health issue for many people which may result in serious consequences, if left untreated. When I see others who have been diagnosed with celiac disease, who appear to have an abundant energy supply and able to maintain a high level of activity, I get concerned. They have either been told, or believe that by removing gluten from their diet that all their health problems will be solved. I think it is quite likely that they have a "leaky gut" and may not know it. Auto-immune disorders that are associated with celiac disease, and the fact that it takes an average of 10 years to receive a diagnosis of celiac disease are factors that make a "leaky gut" an insidious, ticking time bomb in the health of, probably, thousands of people.


An excerpt from an article, Medicine Man, featured in the June/July 2008 issue of Living Without Magazine explains this very well.

Living Without’s editor Alicia Woodward talks with Dr. Alessio Fasano, founder and medical director of the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Celiac Research.

You and your team of researchers discovered zonulin, the human protein that may hold clues to the cause and treatment of celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders. Can you talk about that?

Yes. It turns out that celiac disease is an excellent model for gaining insight into how other autoimmune diseases develop. In studying this condition, we’ve realized that in addition to genes and the environmental trigger (that’s gluten), there is a third element —the loss of the intestinal barrier that protects us from invaders. In other words, people with celiac disease have a leaky gut. Big chunks of molecules—allergens—pass through the intestines and trigger a response by the immune system, which harms the patient genetically predisposed to autoimmunity. We discovered that zonulin is the protein that unlocks the intestinal barrier and creates the leaky gut. People with celiac disease produce higher levels of zonulin. So do people with Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.

I was really glad to read this article from a doctor who specializes in celiac disease, because the gastrointestinal doctor I visited denied that this condition existed. At the time it caused confusion and frustration in getting the care that I needed. I am thankful this information is getting to the celiac community finally.

Symptoms of leaky gut include:

• chronic fatigue
• respiratory problems
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gas and cramps in abdominal area
• bloating
• joint pain
• brain fog
• muscle and nerve pain
• headaches and migraines
• memory loss
• poor concentration
• weakness
• allergies
• swelling in the facial region
• fevers
• abdominal pain
• skin rashes
• toxic feelings
• and constant illness and inability to recover

I appreciate Living Without Magazine, Alicia Woodward, and Dr. Alessio Fasano for the informative health article that will change the outcome of many lives.

I also have a deep gratitude to Dr. Maurice Werness for teaching me and assisting in my healing the past seven years.  Thanks, Doc!

CHEJ's PVC-Free School Supplies Guide

If you are wondering where to find the healthiest art supplies, backpacks, clothing, electronics, food wrap, lunchboxes, binders or even a new cell phone or computer monitor then you will want to read this article. It is not just for back-to-school shoppers, but for anyone wanting to be informed.

This rather impressive resource, Back-to-School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies, has been created by The Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ). This guide is an excellent resource to inform you of the health hazards of PVC ( polyvinyl chloride) and other toxic chemicals that are dangerous to your health. Often we are given examples of things to avoid, but this article goes further in suggesting safer PVC alternatives and lists websites and local retailers where you may purchase them. They even made it easier for you by creating a handy wallet guide to tuck in your pocket.

On a personal note, a few years ago, I taught a lesson to my boys about the dangers of PVC and they learned about the meanings of the plastic number symbols. This turned into a PVC scavenger hunt through our house. It was interesting to see what they found. I was surprised to find that the highly recommended Learning Resources Company used #3 PVC containers to hold our magnetic alphabet letters. Many times PVC was found in the actual label for a food product that was in a safer plastic bottle. Our favorite froggy raincoat was PVC, too. The lesson was probably the most memorable for my boys and they are still our resource for what plastic to avoid. They have never forgotten.

Preventing Autism

Since beginning my gluten-free, casein-free and sugar-free diet, I have developed a deep connection in my heart for children with autism. The first cookbook I bought was Special Diets for Special Kids I, a gluten-free and casein-free diet cookbook written by Lisa Lewis, the mother of a child with autism. I needed recipes and this book was like a beacon of hope for me. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by my food requirements, I would think of these families and wonder how they managed this diet with young children. Then I would get over my pity party.

I have always been curious about the similar issues that I have in common with these children and not have autism. It is astounding to know that 100% of children with autism have yeast issues like myself.

Today on my blog, I am featuring a video that answers many questions concerning autism. Donna Gates, the founder of the Body Ecology Diet, explains the diet that she has seen heal children of autism.



With my doctor's recent recommendation, I have been adding fermented foods to my diet as Ms. Gates speaks of in her video. Now I am in love with sauerkraut! My husband made this for me and we ate it so fast I didn't even get a picture to show you. We laugh about the feeling of the cabbage squeaking between our teeth. This is a new sensation I have never experienced with food. How great to find food that heals and tastes so good!

I feel this diet change will greatly enhance my immune system and speed healing. I hope you gain new insight from this video of the power of healing foods...there is hope.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalms 25:5

Celiac Disease and Environmental Illnesses

Once in a while I read something that propels my mind to a greater understanding of my body and this is one of those moments. Listed among "Related Conditions" to Environmental Illness was Celiac Disease and Candida. You may read my discovery at the Environmental Illness Resources website. I have included an excerpt that particularly interested me. The complete article is excellent and informative to those with Celiac Disease.

Celiac Disease and Environmental Illnesses

Those suffering from environmental illnesses may be at increased risk for developing celiac disease. The main reason for this being that those with environmental illnesses experience a much greater number of allergies and autoimmune conditions than do otherwise healthy individuals. For example, the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in the US reports that allergies are present in 75% of CFS sufferers, compared to only 10-20% in general in the population as a whole. Sufferers of all of the Environmental Illnesses often have a history of allergies before the onset of their illness and most develop new allergies after getting a diagnosis of CFS, fibromyalgia etc. There is also a substantial body of research demonstrating that the immune systems of environmental illness sufferers are shifted towards a Th2 type response. The Th2 response is aimed at extracellular invaders such as bacteria, toxins, and allergens, and a Th2 shifted immune response is associated with an increase in allergies and autoimmune diseases (7,8,9). As we have learned, allergies and autoimmune diseases are well recognized as increasing the risk for celiac disease.

Another possible connection between environmental illnesses and celiac disease involves the gut flora. Various studies have shown disturbances of the healthy gut flora in environmental illnesses and many doctors who specialize in treating them advocate treating overgrowth of Candida and bacteria in the intestines. Research published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet in 2003 proposed that Candida in the intestine may act as a trigger for the production of antibodies against gluten and the intestinal tissue which cause celiac disease. This assertion is based on the fact that the yeast Candida contains proteins that are identical and very similar to those found in gluten, including gliadin. Candida also triggers the same tissue transglutaminase and endomysial enzymes involved in celiac disease. It is therefore possible that changes in levels and behavior of Candida in the intestines may result in an immune response to the organism which is then transferred to gluten and intestinal tissues due to the common proteins they contain. The end result would therefore be celiac disease (10).

References:

7. Lancet. 1997 Jun 21;349(9068):1831-3. Gulf War syndrome: is it due to a systemic shift in cytokine balance towards a Th2 profile? Rook GA, Zumla A. Department of Bacteriology, University College London Medical School, UK.

8. Pharmacol Rev. 2000 Dec;52(4):595-638. The sympathetic nerve--an integrative interface between two supersystems: the brain and the immune system. Elenkov IJ, Wilder RL, Chrousos GP, Vizi ES. Inflammatory Joint Diseases Section, Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

9. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2000;917:868-75. Altered glucocorticoid regulation of the immune response in the chronic fatigue syndrome. Visser JT, De Kloet ER, Nagelkerken L. TNO Prevention and Health, Division of Immunological and Infectious Diseases, P.O. Box 2215, 2301 CE Leiden, The Netherlands

10. Lancet. 2003 Jun 21;361(9375):2152-4. Is Candida albicans a trigger in the onset of coeliac disease?Nieuwenhuizen WF, Pieters RH, Knippels LM, Jansen MC, Koppelman SJ. Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Nutrition and Food Research, PO Box 360, 3700 AJ, Zeist, Netherlands. nieuwenhuizen@voeding.tno.nlThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Simple Detox Cocktail Solution

I have been thinking about the New Year and I decided that my first post of 2009 should be a recipe that is completely healthy and healing. Last night before falling asleep I knew just what I wanted to share with you. This recipe could be the most important thing you do for your health...long term.

The Detox Cocktail recipe comes from my favorite health book, Detoxify or Die, written by Sherry Rogers, MD. It is a very simple solution to rid the body of toxins by targeting both phases of detoxification.

* a heaping teaspoon of Vitamin C Powder
* 300-600 milligrams of Lipoic Acid
* 400-800 milligrams of glutathione (in the form of Recancostat)
Have it with 1-2 big glasses of water

According to Dr. Rogers,

Not only does the detox cocktail help detoxify and get rid of all sorts of environmental insults, but it also helps dump out stored heavy metals like mercury. But this only happens once you have caught up and don't have any other chemicals currently to detoxify.

Scientists have shown clearly that environmental chemicals in the bloodstream oxidize or burn holes in our genetic material called DNA. This genetic damage from environmental chemicals leads to changes that cause cancer and other diseases. But glutathione and ascorbic acid have been shown to protect against this (Lenton, Heuser, Gregus). As well, a dose of 4-6 grams of vitamin C a day can cause tenfold elevation of the natural killer cells in 78% of patients (Heuser). Natural killer cells are our first line of defense needed to fight off infection as well as cancer cells. It's a win-win situation; there's no way you can lose by the daily use of the detox cocktail.

Since I have not confirmed the gluten-free status or personally tested all the supplement brands that Dr. Roger's recommends, I decided not to list them. There are more details in her book regarding the specifics of each product or you may contact me for more information. I use brands that are chosen by my naturopath to compliment my treatment. I like Pure Encapsulations Buffered C Powder, Designs for Health Lipoic Synergy, and Recancostat 100. These work well for me and are a fantastic starting point to better health.

Toxins are inescapable, but now you know that there are solutions. It is easy to see that detoxification is the key to prevention of many diseases.

My best wishes to you for a healthy New Year filled with love and great gluten-free dishes.