The past 150 years have witnessed extraordinary progress in medicine, science, and industry, leading to longer and more productive lives for many. However, this modern lifestyle comes at a tremendous cost for some individuals. The by-products of our chemical technology have resulted in widespread contamination of our atmosphere, lakes, oceans, and soil, leading to an environment infiltrated by numerous “unnatural” substances. While many chemical sources have existed for centuries, today's concentrations far exceed those encountered by our ancestors. Although the human body is adaptable, ecological changes are now happening at a pace that exceeds our ability to adjust. We face a situation where uncertainties surrounding the manufacturing, use, storage, and disposal of toxic chemicals have led to a surge in environmentally-induced illnesses, prompting a need for advanced natural wellness strategies.
Since 1965, scientific literature has reported over 4 million distinct chemical compounds, with more than 6,000 new chemicals added between 1965 and 1978. By 1981, 3,000 of over 70,000 chemicals in commercial production were identified as intentionally included in our food supplies, and over 700 were discovered in drinking water. During food processing and storage, an additional 10,000 compounds can become integral to many commonly consumed foods. Furthermore, the list of potential body toxins includes petrochemicals, industrial waste, medical and street drugs, radiation (X-rays, nuclear fallout, etc.), and a plethora of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. This results in an overwhelming chemical avalanche affecting the human race in a relatively short evolutionary timeframe. There is a growing body of scientific evidence showing that thousands of drugs, preservatives, pesticides, and other pollutants remain stored in the body long after exposure. For instance, an organochlorinated pesticide such as DDT's metabolites can have a half-life of 20 to 50 years in human fat deposits. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, over 400 chemicals have been detected in human tissue; 48 in adipose tissue, 40 in breast milk, 73 in the liver, and over 250 in the blood.
The accumulation and storage of toxins in the body, known as “toxic bio-accumulation,” primarily occur in fatty tissue. Toxins can re-enter the bloodstream during periods of physical or emotional stress, exposing every organ to these chemicals at low levels. As Dr. William L. Marcus, Senior Advisor and Chief Toxicologist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, states, “It’s a chronic exposure. That’s why chemicals like dioxin, even in small amounts, are extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, the human body has no previous experience with these chemicals and lacks natural mechanisms to break them down, let alone eliminate them.
Toxic residues, whether directly or indirectly, infiltrate our air, food, and water supplies. This ecological overload disrupts the body’s balance or “homeostasis.” According to Dr. Marshall Mandell, a nationally recognized expert in bio-ecologic medicine, the influx of chemicals in contemporary society has led to a lowered threshold of resistance and an inability to cope with both natural and unnatural environments due to altered body metabolism, enzyme dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances. Maintaining arise health balance is essential for well-being, as health relies on the equilibrium of both external and internal environmental forces. A wealth of literature documents illnesses linked to chemical exposure, including various cancers, leukemia, liver disease, pulmonary damage, anemia, nervous system disorders, immune system damage, psychological issues, reproductive and fertility impairments, and kidney dysfunction. Additionally, numerous sub-clinical abnormalities are thought to arise from presumed chemical exposure, with the list growing each year.
Common sources of toxins continue to expand, but they include flame retardants in fabrics, artificial air fresheners, food additives, cookware, personal care products, household cleaning supplies, plastics, and medical products.
In response to the ever-growing toxic environment, many healthcare practitioners advocate for a variety of detoxification programs. Circulating toxins and toxic bowels require proper cleansing for health. The removal of these toxins aligns with the principles of arise natural balance and is fundamental to more natural, healthy living. At Arise Wellness Center, we emphasize healthy foundations for everyone, making detoxification an educational focus and integral component of many of our services.