In the air we breathe and the water we drink pollutants lurk. Even in the relatively untouched and pristine Arctic, persistent organic pollutants have been found in the air, water, soil, plants and animals.
What Are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?
According to the dictionary, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a hazardous organic chemical compound that is resistant to biodegradation and thus remains in the environment for a long time. As noted in the EPA article: “Persistent Organic Pollutants: A Global Issue, A Global Response,” https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/persistent-organic-pollutants-global-issue-global-response more than ninety countries have joined forces to address this issue. The good news is that improvements have been seen, such as the returning eagle population after the banning of DDT. The troubling news is POP environmental contamination is widespread, even in areas where POPs have never been used (such as the Arctic), and will remain in the environment years after their introduction to the environment due to their resistance to breaking down.
Health Implications of POPs
In addition to negatively affecting the environment of the world, these toxic chemicals adversely affect human health. Avoiding them in today’s modern world is impossible. They are in our carpet, wall paint, food we consume, and more. While the health implications are not fully understood, POPs exposure can cause dysfunction, disruption and disorders in our bodies. Endocrine disruption, reproductive and immune dysfunction, brain and nervous system disorders, birth defects and cancer are associated with POPs exposure.
Removal of POPs
Detoxifying POPs toxins which are stored in the fat cells of our bodies can be a challenge. As noted by the Institute of Functional Medicine, weight loss can liberate toxins from fatty tissue, increasing blood levels and leading to a host of symptoms and eventual reabsorption of POPs. Therefore, eliminating these pollutants requires excreting the contaminants from fat and bypassing enterohepatic recirculation. (Discussed fully in Stephen J. Genius’ Human and Experimental Toxicology article: “Elimination of persistent toxicants from the human body.” https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0960327110368417)
Safe POPs Detox Protocol
Core Restore https://www.calmglow.com/product/core-restore/ is a comprehensive 14-day diet, lifestyle and nutrient program designed to reduce toxic burden and support Phase I and II liver detoxification function. Safely detoxify POPs stored in fat cells by following Core Restore’s protocol. As toxins are ingested, absorbed and inhaled on a daily basis, a safe detoxification protocol is an invaluable resource to have in one’s health toolbox.
To your health.
Dianne Hinton NP, PA, IFM-C
