4 Dangerous Toxins To The BRAIN
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In the modern era it is more important than ever to understand and take positive action to minimize your exposure to pollutants. Here we illustrate four toxins with references to scientific studies reporting the health concerns associated with their exposure / use.
Heavy Metals: “Heavy metals” is a term originally intended to indicate metals that are high in the periodic table, however within health conversations it generally refers to the metals with high toxicity, including Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Arsenic (As). Heavy metals are often challenging for the body’s elimination systems, with the result that they often bioaccumulate in the body over the course of time, with a small concentration of heavy metals having deleterious effects in the long term. Exposure to heavy metals can damage the brain, kidney, and developing fetus. Effects on the brain are expressed as tremors, irritability, and memory problems. Heavy metal accumulation in the body has been implicated in numerous diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, behavioral issues and more. [1]
Fluoride: In 2006, after years of controversy, the United States NRC (National Research Council) came to the conclusion that fluoride does have adverse effects on brain health. [2] The EPA’s exposure limit for fluoride is 4.0mg/L. A review of multiple studies has shown that a high concentration of fluoride in groundwater is linked with cognitive defects and poor IQ performance in children at school age. [3]
Monosodium Glutamate: Monosodium glutamate is widely used as a food additive in commercially manufactured processed foods. It gives a flavour ‘enhancement’ to foods. MSG acts as an excitotoxin when consumed in excessive amounts and has been linked to numerous health consequences. MSG leads to excessive production of glutamate, which normally functions as a neurotransmitter but the higher level can have negative effects on brain health. MSG has been linked with obesity, neurotoxic health, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. [4]
Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners have been linked with brain damage and obesity. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener has been associated with cognitive problems and neurophysiological symptoms including headache, seizures, anxiety, and depression. [5]
More Toxins To Avoid: 9 Toxins You Should Remove From Your Life ASAP (Plus Safer Alternatives) https://herbshealthhappiness.com/9-toxins-to-remove-from-your-life/
References:
[1] Engwa, G.A., et al., Mechanism and health effects of heavy metal toxicity in humans, in Poisoning in the Modern World-New Tricks for an Old Dog? 2019, IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/books/poisoning-in-the-modern-world…/
[2] Council, N.R., Fluoride in drinking water: a scientific review of EPA’s standards. 2007: National Academies Press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=cDiJAIbMD_oC&oi=fnd&pg=PT20
[3] Grandjean, P., Developmental fluoride neurotoxicity: an updated review. Environ Health, 2019. 18(1): p. 110. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31856837/
[4] Niaz, K., E. Zaplatic, and J. Spoor, Extensive use of monosodium glutamate: A threat to public health? Excli j, 2018. 17: p. 273-278. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29743864/
[5] Choudhary, A.K. and Y.Y. Lee, Neurophysiological symptoms and aspartame: What is the connection? Nutr Neurosci, 2018. 21(5): p. 306-316. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28198207/