Friday, February 26, 2010

Environmental Toxins and Autism

A recent study in the peer-reviewed medical journal, Current Opinion in Pediatrics, explored the connection between environmental toxins and autism. The study states, “Indirect evidence for an environmental contribution to autism comes from studies demonstrating the sensitivity of the developing brain to external exposures such as lead, ethyl alcohol and methyl mercury. But the most powerful proof-of-concept evidence derives from studies specifically linking autism to exposures in early pregnancy -- thalidomide, misoprostol, and valproic acid; maternal rubella infection; and the organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos.” (http://tinyurl.com/yklx26v)

Author of the study, Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, professor of pediatrics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, tested the hypothesis that environmental toxins could be damaging to the developing brain of a fetus, resulting in possible neurodevelopmental disorders.

“The crux of this is brain development,” he said. “If babies are exposed in the womb or shortly after birth to chemicals that interfere with brain development, the consequences last a lifetime.”

Common, everyday toxins such as phthalates in shampoo, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from consumption of contaminated fish, perfluorinated acids (PFAs) from non-stick coatings, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, the primary chemical found in flame retardants, and BPAs from plastic bottles, have been studied and may be “associated with measurable neonatal deficits.” This toxic load in our bodies has not yet been determined as the sole reason for the rise in autism and certain cancers, but it is certainly cause for concern. I recommend reading an interesting article from National Geographic magazine about the influx of toxins in humans, which I also posted on my blog (below) or you can read here http://tinyurl.com/n3u4g3.

The dramatic and steady rise of autism cases can’t all be linked back to genetics. The study explains, “Genetic factors - mutations, deletions, and copy number variants - are clearly implicated in causation of autism. However, they account for only a small fraction of cases, and do not easily explain key clinical and epidemiological features.” In fact, about 25% of autism diagnoses are genetic. Researchers are concluding that environmental toxins must be studied as a valid variant in the autism mystery.

So what can you do? I am emphatic about reducing exposure to toxins as well as removing them from our bodies to ensure good health. I have formulated two very effective products for this purpose of removal. PectaSol Chelation Complex supports systemic and gentle removal of toxic heavy metals, environmental toxins and mold toxins as well as promoting safe and effective chelation, without removing essential minerals or nutrients. My unique combination of pectin and alginates binds to toxins, preventing re-absorption by the body. Many detox formulas can cause side effects that rid the body of beneficial minerals and nutrients, further burdening the body with stress. My Detox Complete formula works best after PectaSol Chelation to remove toxins from deeper tissue. It is also important to use a water filter and to stay hydrated, as the body will use water to eliminate toxins through the urine. When possible, choose organic fruits and vegetables to avoid exposure to harmful pesticide residues. Given the chance, your body will effectively detoxify, cleanse, and heal.

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