CINDY KLEMENT, MS, CNS, MCHES

Cindy's Programs cont...

 The World Health Organization estimates environmental factors contribute to 13% of deaths worldwide and yet exposure to environmental toxicants is rarely mentioned in initiatives to combat disease. Distinguished Professor Emerita at University of California Davis, Dr. Judith Stern, maintains that "genetics may load the gun, but our environment pulls the trigger." The problem with research is that most studies look at one single chemical, yet rarely are we exposed to just one.

Concerns are mounting that different chemicals can enhance toxicity and intensity the effects of other chemical classes. Thus, the challenge is to determine widespread exposure to multiple sources, multiple chemical classes, and varying concentrations. Why one person might react to a specific contaminant and another does not has a great deal to do with multiple factors including: how their detoxification systems function; the chemical's target organ; the person's age and overall health; nutritional status, dietary and exercise habits; genetic makeup; level, frequency and duration of exposure; as well as the developmental stage at the time of exposure.

Currently, there is mounting concern for the Millennial generation and the hardships they will face as a result of worldwide environmental chemical contamination. Once regarded as protective, research has firmly established that the placental barrier does not shield the unborn from toxicant exposure. Studies also reveal passage of these toxicants to developing infants through breast milk. A number of these compounds can take long periods of time to produce ill effects, so the impact won't be realized yet for many years.

The Pediatric Academic Societies affirmed that the functioning of the current generation may even be impacted by low level exposure to environmental chemical toxicity and that some changes may extend beyond the generation initially exposed. Studies have revealed that environmental chemical exposure can increase the risk of thyroid disease, MetS, CVD, fertility, cancer, and contribute to obesity.

Environmental Medicine is in its infancy. Many clinicians are not aware of the science behind toxicant bioaccumulation and the related health consequences nor how or where their patents are exposed, while health care systems are not being trained to address the contribution of environmental contaminants and their effects on the health of the human body. It's important to consider another pillar in medicine, that being detoxification and the part environmental contaminants play in our health and in lifestyle management.