by Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., M.S.
As we discussed in the first article, over accumulation of phthalates in the body has the potential to be a major contender for a series of health challenges.
One of the first questions I am commonly asked is where am I getting this exposure from?
Exposure to plasticizers can come from skin absorption of cosmetics, body lotions, hair gels, shampoos, and deodorants. You can ingest them from water, PVC (water) pipes, detergents, and foods. We also can inhale them from airborne adhesives and glues, building materials, school/business supplies, furnishings, auto interiors, solvents, plastics, lubricants, insect repelants, vinyl flooring, carpet tiles, vinyl wallpaper, body toiletries, artificial leather, adhesives, dyes, and toys. Don’t forget that plastics coat every wire in the electrical systems of our homes, offices, appliances and computers. As the wires heat, the plastic coating outgases into the air.
So as you can see, plastics are everywhere and, to be quite honest, they are difficult to avoid.
The best most people can do is to be certain they are doing everything they can to effectively and efficienctly eliminate any build-up of plastics (phthalates) in the body.
Before I move on to the 3 step protocol to detoxify plastics, it is first important to determine your level of accumulation. For some people they are fast metabolizers and quickly eliminate any exposure to plastics or for that matter most environmental toxins. On the other hand, there are many people who have a poorly functioning detoxification system and will unfortunately accumulate plastics as well as other environmental toxins.
The best way to determine your level of accumulation or toxic burden is to get tested. The recommended lab test is called Phthalates & Parabens Profile (www.metametrix.com)
How Do We Get Rid of Them?
Let’s look at 3 ways you can help your body detox it’s plastic overload:
1: Since they are detoxified through glucuronidation, take IndolPlex and Calcium D-Glucarate each 2 twice a day.
2: Having 2 or more servings of Brassica or cruciferous vegetables a day revs up the detoxification of plastics. These include cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, radishes, mizuna, watercress, arugula, turnips, collard greens, kale, rutabaga, and more.
3: A third way to get the phthalates out is with your Far Infrared Sauna. It is important to have a health professional knowledgeable in the best protocol for using the Far Infrared Sauna.
Meanwhile, considering the level of plastics we are exposed to on a daily basis it may be necessary for slow metabolizers and accumulators of plastics to regularly follow a detox protocol as listed above.
I like to conclude and be certain that everyone understands the seriousness and potential danger of an over accumulation of plastics in the body. Your present and future health depends on doing your due diligence to clear your body of these environmental toxins.
In the event you have not read the first part of this article, please go to: http://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/919.cfm
Reference:
Rogers S, Detoxify or Die, Prestige Publishing, 2002