Blueprint for Self-Destruction (Part 4): Pesticides, Herbicides, and Artificial Sweeteners & Fats | Episode 26

In the final episode of this mini-series,  we talk about the impact of pesticides, herbicides, and artificial sweeteners and fats on our health. We explore how these substances have inadvertently wreaked havoc on our bodies.

We delve into the ecosystem within our bodies, teeming with trillions of bacteria, mitochondria, and other organisms. Pesticides and herbicides, originally designed to eliminate pesky things like insects and weeds, have unintentionally harmed us by destroying this vital inner ecosystem we depend on. They are damaging our nervous system, hormones, and more.

We also touch on the topic of water fluoridation and how it might be disrupting our microbiome, thereby throwing off various processes within our body. Once considered beneficial, fluoride in our water systems (and toothpastes) has now been linked to adverse effects. We talk a little about that and also how water systems vary across the globe.

Next, we run through the world of artificial additives, focusing on artificial sweeteners and fats. These additives disrupt our body's natural processes, leading to overeating and weight gain. The divorce between appearances, like taste, and reality has confused and broken our bodies.

We discuss strategies to reclaim vibrant health and free ourselves from our current troubles. Armed with empowering knowledge, and realigning ourselves with the way we evolved to be, we can navigate the modern world while safeguarding our health and vitality.

RESOURCES
 - The End of Craving by Mark Schatzker (book)
- Environmental Working Group (organization)
      - Dirty Dozen
     - Clean Fifteen
- Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

VOCABULARY, CONCEPTS, & THINGS
 - artificial fats: Olestra, Simplesse
- artificial sugars: Ace K, aspartame,  saccharin, stevia, sucralose, xylitol
- enzymes: acetylcholinesterase, EPSP synthase
- herbicides:glyphosate (Roundup)
- insect anatomy: ventral nerve cord
- minerals: fluoride
- nerve receptors: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
- neurotransmitters: acetylcholine 
- pesticides: carbamates, DDT, organophosphates