Brain Health Network - What day to day environmental toxins do we encounter that can impact our brain health?

Brain Health Network - What day to day environmental toxins do we encounter that can impact our brain health?

There are potential harmful chemicals in almost everything we touch, from household cleaning products to the make-up we use and the air we breathe. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals have the capability of negatively impacting our brain health and contributing towards neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in later life.

These chemicals can either be inhaled into our respiratory system or come into contact with the skin, the largest organ and protective barrier of the human body. There they work to penetrate the skin’s surface, making their way into the bloodstream or, if inhaled, the lungs. These toxins are considered to be harmful, and sometimes even fatal. The question is, what are we coming into contact with on a daily basis that we could possibly avoid, or switch out to with a healthier alternative… 

1. Household cleaning products: many cleaning products contain chemicals including ammonia, bleach and volatile compounds, commonly known as (VOCs). Each one of these releases fumes into the air and can become a danger when there is exposure for long periods of time. This can lead to respiratory issues damaging the central nervous system and further impacting cognitive function in the long term. 

1. Make-up products: whether opting for a natural look or heavy glam, make-up products are in constant contact with the skin. Fortunately over the last few years, the beauty industry has shifted away from using carcinogens such as silica and parabens in favour of more natural alternatives. For example, castor oil for skin hydration. 

“According to current European laws, all cosmetics approved for use must be completely safe for their users, and the responsibility for this lies with manufacturers, distributors, and importers.”

There are however some companies that continue to use toxic substances within their products such as phthalates and heavy metals, and over time these toxic chemicals are absorbed through the skin. While the body’s biological systems are designed to eliminate these toxins, when they’re overwhelmed toxic effects such as headaches, memory loss and poor concentration can begin to take place. 

1. Cigarette smoke: in 2007, the smoking ban came into effect with the hope of sparing future generations the side-effects associated with chronic exposure to cigarette smoke. Exposure on a daily basis can contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death worldwide which further impacts brain health. (World Health Organization, 2022). Symptoms include neurocognitive dysfunction and brain structural abnormalities which pave the way for neurodegenerative diseases including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

1. Pesticides: these are chemical compounds that are used to kill pests, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 80% of an individual pesticide is used indoors. Pesticides contribute to a range of cognitive and psychomotor impairments, including memory loss, attention deficits and a loss of alertness. When next selecting your indoor plant pesticide spray, be sure to opt for a natural alternative that uses cinnamon or vinegar as a repellent. Prolonged exposure to ‘outdoor pesticides’ can contain neurotoxic substances that can damage long-term cognition and function. 

1. Air Pollution: traffic-related air pollution significantly impacts our brain health. Evidence has shown that when we inhale exhaust fumes there is a clear link to cognitive decline in later life. When we breathe these fumes in, the central nervous system becomes inflamed and according to the recent paper, ‘The Effects of Air Pollution on the Brain’, this type of pollution not only contributes to cognitive decline but it can further impact behaviour and psychomotor skills.

The relationship between toxins and neurodegenerative diseases is complex, however it is clear that certain toxins can contribute to the development or progression of neurological conditions primarily through oxidative stress and inflammation.

While there is evidence suggesting an association between environmental toxins and cognitive decline, it’s important to note that this is not the only link. Many factors can contribute, including genetics, lifestyle and overall health. However, by reducing exposure to toxins and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the risk of cognitive decline in later life can be significantly reduced. 

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Feel Good Friday with Metabolic Balance - Why There is No Need to Get Sun-Burnt!

Why There is No Need to Get Sun-Burnt!

No matter how good it feels, too much sunbathing can cause an inflammatory response from the skin or likewise an allergic reaction to the skin.

Tanned skin conjures up a picture of relaxing holidays, fitness and health. If we stay too long in the sun, we risk getting sunburnt. Even if it is cloudy, we can get burnt if we stay unprotected in, on or near water for a long time. Water reflects and intensifies the radiation. Light-skinned people (whose skin has fewer pigments and therefore less self-protection) are more at risk than dark-skinned people (whose skin contains more pigments).

The time of day when we sunbathe also plays a role: The shorter UVB rays can severely damage skin cells and are strongest from 10 am to 2 pm. The UVA rays in the early morning and late evening are much more skin-friendly and ensure a slower but gentler tanning of the skin.

Increase self-protection and support healing 🌞
Despite being careful - you sometimes get sunburnt. In the case of a mild sunburn, it is usually sufficient to cool the affected area with a cold compress. Applying aloe vera gel or a very thin layer of essential lavender oil can also bring relief. Wearing airy, light clothing can protect the sunburnt areas on the body.

Foods rich in niacin can promote the healing process if the skin has already been damaged. Vitamin B3 (niacin) also helps to build up the body's own skin protection factors and can therefore help to prevent sunburn.

It is found in soja products, green beans and peas, in mushrooms, cabbage, potatoes and peaches.

Cortisol, an anti-inflammatory agent, is produced in the adrenal glands with the help of vitamin C and unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, after sunbathing you should eat lots of fresh fruit, corn, olives, beans and seeds.
Secondary plant substances such as lycopene (found in tomatoes, watermelons, rosehips, citrus fruits etc.) and beta-carotene (found in carrots, apricots, peaches, mangoes, spinach, chard and lamb's lettuce) also have the ability to protect the skin from sunburn. Not only do they mop up free radicals from UV rays, but they prolong the skin's natural defence mechanism.
In fact, eating foods rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can enhance sun protection from within.

However, these natural photoprotective agents should not be viewed as an alternative to sunscreen from sprays and creams.

Unprotected sun exposure will inevitably lead to premature skin aging. Long term effects of repetitive sunburn will only increase this process. Prevention is the best remedy for sunburn.

Author: Silvia Bürkle - HQ Metabolic Balance®

#metabolicbalance #metabolism #sunburn #vitamins #antioxidants #protection #fruits#veggies

Metabolic Balance Health - Herbs and Spices - the Pharmacy of Nature

HERBS & SPICES - THE PHARMACY OF NATURE

When it hurts, we often reach for the next best medicine. We often don't know which active ingredient we're taking, not to mention the side effects. But to be honest - we don't want to know as long as it helps!

However, the things that really promote health can be found in nature!

We are only too willing to take expensive dietary supplements that deliver supposedly valuable but isolated active ingredients from selected foods: Curcumin from turmeric, resveratrol from grape seeds or DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) from algae or fish oil, to name just a few. They should lead to more well-being, strengthen the immune system and act against inflammation.

Nature, on the other hand, provides foods with a wealth of active ingredients, such as antioxidants, essential oils or omega-3 fatty acids, which – embedded in the natural food mix – occur in such a way that we can optimally use their health potential.
Especially herbs and spices impress with their richness in nutrients.

No wonder that in ancient times many wars were fought over herbs and spices, and in search of them new countries have been discovered. But why should people fight over herbs and spices? What makes them so valuable?

They contain so-called phytonutrients. These are secondary plant substances or essential oils, which are extraordinarily healthy. The high proportion of antioxidants, which fight dangerous free radicals in the body very effectively, also makes the seasoning ingredients so valuable.

Even the smallest amounts keep us mentally fit, strengthen the immune system, support fat burning, have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and boost the metabolism. For example, oregano stimulates appetite, coriander is considered to strengthen the stomach and helps with fullness. Dill and basil soothe the nerves, parsley and tarragon dehydrate - to name just a few examples.
To date, not all effects have been scientifically proven in studies. Much of it is based on traditional applications and has been successfully used for many health purposes for centuries. Hildegard von Bingen and many other persons skilled in the art of healing, who have studied herbs and spices, have used and still use the healing powers of spices and herbs for health benefits.

Tip: Season and refine your dishes with a wide variety of spices and herbs and thus absorb an additional portion of valuable vital substances for more well-being and vitality every day.

Metabolic Balance is a Club Vivanova Platinum Partner

Detox with Metabolic Balance - Health Begins in the Intestine

Detox with Metabolic Balance
Health begins in the intestine!

Any toxin or harmful substance that cannot be rendered harmless in the bowel, e.g. because the intestinal flora is damaged, reaches the liver via the portal vein. Thus, the liver must take over and assume this detoxification. So, in order not to overload the liver, we should ensure a healthy bowel. If this is not the case and if the intestinal wall is damaged, it urgently needs to recover - by an intestinal cleansing.

If we are planning an excursion or a business trip by car, we find out in advance where there might be traffic jams and what detour options are available so that we can reach our destination as quickly as possible. But there is no alternative for the food we ingest. The path is always the same: from the mouth via the esophagus to the stomach, into the intestines and then into the blood. To avoid "traffic jams", there is only one real alternative in the metabolic process: Taking care of the main artery, the intestine, relieving it and nourishing it in a healthy way.

How to best prepare the intestine
In order to build up the intestinal flora in a targeted manner, it is not sufficient to simply consume foods with probiotic or prebiotic ingredients or additives. A basic prerequisite for both a healthy bowel and a healthy intestinal flora is a thorough and gentle bowel cleansing in order to prepare an optimal living environment for the bacteria.

Bacteria only settle permanently in the bowel when they feel comfortable and when the environment provides what they need. Short-term cleansing can be achieved by taking Epsom salts, high-dose magnesium sulfate, or by clysterizing by means of an enema. However, you should not leave it at that. If you want to support, cleanse and regenerate your bowel in the long term, you should regularly consume natural foods, preferably ground flaxseed and ground psyllium. These two "bowel helpers" do not only cleanse, they also stimulate intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation.

How to efficiently cleanse the intestine
Eliminating toxins from the body is a long process. Detoxification takes place mainly with fasting cures. However, you can also stimulate the entire metabolism by a thorough change in diet with regular modest exercise; this helps to even boost the detoxification intensity of your organism.

Intestinal cleansing reduces pathogenic bacteria and fungi and causes health-promoting intestinal bacteria to multiply more easily. Improving the intestinal flora also strengthens the intestinal mucosa. Optimally working digestive organs and the right amount of digestive juices are an essential prerequisite for favorable bowel bacteria to settle in the intestine; thus, a healthy intestinal flora can be established.

Author: Silvia Bürkle - HQ Metabolic Balance®