Toxins and Your Gut Health
Jul 19, 2022
Diet is only one factor that affects gut health; many toxins also have the potential to disrupt the microbiome.
Toxins in personal care products have been linked to health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, gut dysbiosis, and immune dysfunction.
These toxins can be absorbed orally, through the skin, and through the lungs.
The skin is a good reflection of what is going on in the microbiome:
- It's the largest organ
- It's a detox organ - it's involved in elimination and can let toxins in.
- Gut health issues often surface on the skin (rashes, acne, eczema, etc.)
One way to reduce the load on detoxification organs - including the skin - is by choosing personal care products free of chemicals and artificial dyes.
Many personal care products contain the following ingredients:
- Petroleum distillates: colorants, fragrances and preservatives derived from crude oil
- Xenogesterones: compounds that interfere with hormone and endocrine function - these endocrine disruptors can:
- Promote weight gain
- Are altered by the gut microbiome, affecting blood sugar levels
Five common ingredients you want to avoid in personal care products include the following:
- Parabens - mimic estrogen, disrupt gut flora, leading to increased food sensitivities. Parabens can be found in products such as shampoos, hair dyes, tanning sprays, sun screens and deoderants.
- Phthalates - may impact the gut microbiome, leading to obesity. Phthalates can be found in cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, hair sprays, nail polishes, shampoos, conditioners, detergents & toilet paper.
- Synthetic fragrances - toluene and benzene derivatives are known to be carcinogenic. These fragrances can be found in perfumes, body scent products, detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, air fresheners & scented candles.
- Triclosan (antibacterial agent) - triclosan is found in antibacterial soaps.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate - can cause inflammation and skin irritation. Sodium lauryl sulfate can be found in shampoos, liquid soaps and toothpastes.
At the time of my cancer diagnosis, I not only changed the way I eat, I also changed my selection of personal care products. I now choose natural personal care products and try to stay away from products that contain any of the above toxins.
To improve your gut and skin health, it's important to read labels, and trade out those products that may contain one of the above toxic ingredients.
Always...Take Care of You!
A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis can tell you the vitamins & minerals that your body may be lacking.
It can also tell if you have one or more of the six common toxic metals that are so prevalent in our environment today.
It will show you what foods your body needs more of and the foods you need to consume less of, as well as the exact vitamins & minerals that your body needs.
Click the button below to learn more about a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.
