TMHS 727: Toxicologist Shares Why You Should STOP Using These Products – with Dr. Yvonne Burkart
Oct 4, 2023
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Dr. Yvonne Burkart, a board-certified toxicologist, discusses the impact of toxins on our health. Topics include the dangers of plastics, the harmful effects of chemically crafted flavors in food, the importance of glutathione as a master antioxidant, avoiding toxic bedding and pillows, using organic products, and promoting consciousness and awareness in our lives.
Toxins in our environment, such as plastics and glyphosate, can contribute to health issues like early puberty, infertility, and cancer.
Being mindful of the ingredients in beauty and personal care products is important, as chemicals like parabens and phthalates can have detrimental effects on our health.
Reducing exposure to toxins in our homes, such as those released from furniture and cleaning products, can be achieved by choosing organic and natural materials and improving indoor air quality.
Deep dives
Toxins and their Impact on Health
Toxins are substances created by plants and animals that are poisonous and can cause illness when present at even low concentrations in our bodies. These toxins, which come from our environment, are impacting our biology and contributing to health issues like early puberty, infertility, cognitive impairment, and cancer. Plastics, commonly found in food and beverage packaging, are particularly concerning. Plasticizer chemicals like bisphenol and phthalates can leach into our food and drinks, acting as endocrine disruptors and potentially increasing the risk of diseases like breast cancer. Glyphosate, found in many conventional grain products, is another toxin we frequently encounter and can have harmful effects on our health. It's important to become aware of these toxins and take steps to reduce exposure through informed decisions and lifestyle changes.
Topical Toxins and the Skin
What we put on our skin can be absorbed into our bodies, making it important to be mindful of the ingredients in our beauty and personal care products. Chemicals like parabens and phthalates, found in many conventional products, can penetrate the skin and have detrimental effects. For instance, phthalates have been found to turn on breast cancer genes when absorbed through the skin. Petroleum-based ingredients, commonly found in lip products, can also be concerning as they may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that can accumulate in our bodies. Choosing products with organic and food-based ingredients, like grass-fed tallow lip products, is a healthier alternative.
Environmental Toxins in our Homes
The environment within our homes can also contain toxins that impact our health. Plastics used in furniture, mattresses, and bedding can release chemicals into the air, especially when exposed to body heat and pressure. Synthetic materials like polyurethane foam mattresses can release toxins that we breathe in while sleeping. Organic bedding and natural materials like feather pillows and cotton sheets are healthier choices to reduce exposure to these toxins. Additionally, being aware of indoor air quality, using non-toxic cleaning products, and avoiding synthetic fragrances can further promote a healthier home environment.
The Impact of Fragrances on Our Health
Fragrances and flavors can interact with our brain chemistry, triggering memories and affecting our sensory system. The proliferation of fragrances in various products can lead to sensory overload and confusion in our bodies. Indoor air quality is estimated to be three to five times worse than outdoor air quality, due to lack of ventilation and the presence of fragrance chemicals. Opening windows and using air purifiers can help improve indoor air quality. Synthetic fragrances in products like scented plugins and candles can contain harmful chemicals such as carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Opting for fragrance-free products or those made from natural ingredients like beeswax can reduce exposure to harmful substances.
The Role of Glutathione in Our Health
Glutathione is a master antioxidant that plays a vital role in detoxification, neutralizing free radicals, and maintaining overall health. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction can help maintain optimal levels of glutathione in the body. While glutathione supplements are available, it is more effective to support the body's natural production of glutathione through healthy lifestyle choices. Investing in organic and clean products, even if it comes at a higher cost, can contribute to reducing toxic load and promoting overall well-being.
Every day, we’re exposed to thousands of chemicals in our environment. Everything from the air we breathe, cleaning products, and even furniture can contain dangerous toxins that over time, can pose a risk to your health. The good news is, the more you understand about the realities of toxins, the more empowered choices you can make for yourself and your family.
That’s why I’m excited to share this interview with Dr. Yvonne Burkart. Dr. Burkart is a board-certified toxicologist and a chemical and ingredient safety expert. Her mission is to arm folks with the knowledge they need to make more informed choices, reduce their toxic burdens, and thrive.
On this interview, you’re going to hear a deep dive into the world of toxins. We’ll discuss the prevalence of plastics in our society and their effects on human health. You’re going to learn about how to improve your air quality, enhance your body’s natural detoxification pathways, and how to source personal care products like shampoo, lip balm, lotion, and more. Reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals is an attainable way to improve your health, and I know Dr. Burkart’s expertise is going to help you expand your knowledge base in this area. Enjoy!
In this episode you’ll discover:
How Dr. Burkart became interested in the field of toxicology.
What toxicology actually is.
The origins of plastics, and the implications of their overuse.
How plastic food packaging can disrupt your hormones.
The major problem with BPA free plastics.
How exposure to toxic chemicals is impacting fertility rates and cancer rates.
Why plastic can create an inflammatory response in the body.
What lab created flavors are, and how they can hijack your tastebuds.
Why indoor air quality can be 3-5 times worse than outdoor air.
What you need to know about fragrances in products.
Simple ways to improve your air quality.
The top two ways your body is exposed to chemicals.
Factors to consider about burning candles.
What glutathione is, and its role in the body.
How to naturally balance your body’s glutathione levels.
The importance of sweating to detoxify your body.
How to reduce your toxic load through changing your personal care products.
The best materials to include in your bedding.
What to consider when pricing lower toxin products.
The first place you should begin replacing products.
Why we need to demand transparency and testing from companies.
