Chemical Stress

Of all the possible contributing factors for disease, the most secretive would have to be chemical stress or environmental toxins. The word secretive is used, because each and everyday our bodies are exposed to toxic substances that slowly chip away at our health. Yet, we are hardly aware that the process is happening. These toxins are so damaging, that over time they may even be changing our genetic structure, which means we pass the damage down to future generations. Toxic chemicals slowly build up in the body, mutating cells. The mutation of cells leads to diseases like cancer, tumors and cysts, as well as contributing to auto-immune disease, such as diabetes, asthma and allergies. Chemical stress is linked to muscular reactions, resulting in contractions, spasms and even fibromyalgia.

Now that I have your attention with the fire and brimstone message of danger, what can be done to avoid toxic health destruction? Paying attention to what you are eating, drinking, breathing and rubbing on your body is a start. Avoid foods that are covered in pesticides. Choose organic food whenever possible. When not available, make sure the fruits and vegetables you purchase are scrubbed clean. Limit consumption of PCB and mercury containing fish, like tuna. Try instead to get your healthy Omega 3 fats from a liquid fish oil that has been tested for contaminants. Limit or avoid foods that have chemicals and preservatives in them. The processing of food is one of the biggest health risks that we face daily. Try switching your chemically enhanced deodorants, toothpastes and skin lotions to all natural ones. When you rub these products on your skin, the toxins are absorbed into the blood stream. Do not use insect spray or cream that contains DEET. DEET is a known toxic chemical. Why do you think the bugs won't go near it? Artificial sweeteners are neuro-toxins that can lead to neuroglogical damage. If you need a sweetener, try real organic sugar and or organic honey. Last but certainly not least, avoid all drugs whenever it is possible. Drugs are the epitome of chemical stress (since they themselves are chemicals). Avoid over-the-counter medications, such as pain killers, as these drugs contain chemicals that damage the stomach, liver and kidneys.

Thought for the Week: "To live, not only must we breath and drink pure air and water with nutritious food, we must stay in contact with the outer world using our eight senses. Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling, plus common and horse. The 8th sense is instinct or nature. Inside the body is an instinctual, magnificint, innate intelligence that regulates and runs the body in every wonderous way."

-------BJ Palmer, DC 1949 (paraphrased)

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Misaligned, subluxated vertebra in the short term can cause aches and pains. In the long term, degenerative damage to the bone and nerve disruption leading to bodily malfunctions is apparent. Subluxations are caused by three types of stress to the muscles of the spine, 1. Physical 2. Emotional and 3. Chemical. Chemical toxins can cause muscular contractions that will subluxate spinal bones leading to ill health.