There is much concern over the toxic world we’re living in. “O” so nasty toxic compounds have been discovered in many foods, in our water supply, in skincare and household products, and in our neighborhoods. So yes, short of living in a bubble (which somehow sounds like a whole lot of fun!), exposure is inevitable.
And let’s face another toxic fact; our country’s current monitoring system for tracking harmful chemicals is deficient. The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (can we say antiquated!) remains the primary chemical safety law (I hear lots of great things happened in the 1970s but this ain’t one of ‘em!). Unfortunately, this law grandfathered in over 60,000 chemicals!!! Since then, little to no requirement has been imposed on these chemicals to reevaluate safety—yikes!
Luckily, the proposal of new legislation, the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011, would encompass regulation of over more than 10,000 chemicals (hey, it’s a start!). Ninety percent of these are used in personal care products, day in and day out, by unsuspecting people—including future moms, dads, and everyone in between. This new bill requires the chemical industry to provide safety info on their chemicals in order to enter or remain on the market.
Side note: we ladies tend to lather ourselves in lotions, potions, and pretty things. Can you say
T-O-X-I-C? Rat studies have demonstrated that toxin-induced disorders can affect the genes of generations to come. The ill effects are passed from mom to baby—and even grandbabies—both male and female. It really is a far-reaching, generational problem.
So let’s talk clinically…starting with a physiology refresher. The vascular system is the first organ to form in a developing embryo. This vast network is responsible for delivering nutrients to cells and removing cellular debris, including toxins. So, in uniting a toxic sperm and a toxic egg from compromised parents, wham-bam! We have toxins to boot, sitting stagnant in an embryo who’s trying to accomplish an already lengthy list of things to do (i.e. build functioning organs, maintain survival, etc.). Think these toxins are going to interfere?!!
One of the major players in the toxic arena is the Organophosphate (OP) crew. The OPs are widely used for insect control on food crops and for pest control in homes and businesses. Nearly half of the insecticides used in the United States are OPs. OP exposure may occur by ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact with insecticides and/or pesticides.
Unfortunately, these phosphoric-acid esters are capable of inactivating the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, an essential ingredient to proper nerve function. Studies have shown that children exposed to OP-laden pesticides, both in the womb and during childhood, may have difficulties with short-term memory, appropriate reaction time, and mental development.
The hazardous nature of the OPs has also been demonstrated in studies to lower IQ. Other calamitous health effects include chronic fatigue, asthma, wheezing, immune-system disorders, impaired memory, disorientation, depression, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. Plus, OPs may increase the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
No gloom and doom here though; there’s much we can do to optimize not only our own health but the health of our children and future grandchildren (we’re talking several generations here—no pressure!).
Enter the integrative, proactive approach to healthcare—especially among soon-to-be pregnant couples! With the proper knowledge of underlying toxic burden (as determined through testing) and, in turn, appropriate interventions, a person’s health can be steered toward the path of improvement and potential resolution.
The series of events that take place when sperm meets egg is nothing short of remarkable. This delicate dance between replicating cells and nutrients, stepping onto stage at the precise point within the play of life, deserves a little more monitoring. Come on friends, we owe it to ourselves and our little ones! So let’s implement these action steps prior to the baby-making process.
Best of Health ~ Dr. Marynowski
References
Cass Nelson-Dooley, MS (18)