A Proactive and Preemptive Boost.

Today's world is toxic.

Today's world, with its promise of "better living through chemistry" has also brought a host of chemical toxin-related illnesses. Recent articles in the medical literature have shown that the rate of cancers not associated with smoking is higher for those born after 1940 than before, and that this increase of caner is due to environmental factors not related to smoking. We are also experiencing new medical diagnoses of sick building syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), both of which are related to overexposure to environmental contaminants.

The environmental toxins which cause the most problems are pesticides, solvents and heavy metals. The primary damage caused by the solvents and major pesticide classes is to disrupt neurological function. In addition to being neurotoxic, these compounds are profoundly immunotoxic and are often toxic to the endocrine system as well. The adverse health effects are not limited to those systems only, as these compounds can also cause a variety of dermatological, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular problems. Heavy metals poison a diverse range of enzyme function, affecting virtually every system of the body. The greatest exposure to heavy metals is from dental amalgam fillings and other metal dental appliances. Smoking contributes a considerable amount of cadmium into the body as well.

Our environment is currently flooded with chemicals that contaminate our air, water, food and ourselves. Since 1976, the Environmental Protection agency (EPA) has been engaged in the National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (NHATS). In this study, adipose samples are taken from cadavers and elective surgeries from all regions of the country and the levels of toxins are measured. In 1982, they expanded beyond their original list to look for the presence of 54 different environmental chemical toxins. Their results are a cause for great concern. Five of the chemicals--OCDD (a dioxin), styrene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, xylene, and ethylphenol--were found in 100% of all samples. Another nine chemicals--benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, DDE, three dioxins and one furan--were found in 91-98% of all samples. In addition, polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) were found in 83% of all samples and beta-BHC in 87%. A total of 20 toxic compounds were found in 76% or more of all samples! These ongoing assessments have shown quite clearly that it is not a question of if we are carrying a burden of toxic xenobiotic compounds, but one of how much and how do they affect our health.

A study of adipose levels of chemicals in persons from Texas showed the presence of p,p-DDE, dieldrin, oxychlordane, heptachlor epoxide and para-BHC in 100% of all samples. That study was done on adipose samples taken from autopsies, and was from older subjects. A study of 4-year-olds in Michigan showed the presence of DDT in over 70%, PCB in 50%, and PBB in 13-21%. Nursing was the primary source of exposure for these children.

Today's world can be stressful.

There is nothing wrong with short-term stress. It is after all what gets you motivated. Stress in the short-term may be considered healthy giving you the get up and go to achieve your goals bring you the results you desire.

However the flip side of the coin is chronic or long-term stress. This really has not got a lot to commend it and if left unchecked may jeopardize your health. With today's reduced work force designed for greater efficiency within companies it is not difficult to realize that this can lead to fewer people sharing ever-increasing workloads. Deadlines and too many demands on the time of the individual can be difficult to manage and can feel like juggling several balls in the air at any one time.

Earliest signs of chronic stress include sleepless nights, those nights when you are dead tired and just unable to switch off running the events of the day through your mind. In the morning what happens you are crotchety and grumpy, the shoulders and neck may feel tight and generally you are pretty fed up with life. Could be the right time for a pity party but hey you need to get back to the grindstone. Repeat this scenario a few times and you are heading for the slippery slope. Lack of sleep often affects the immune system reducing your resources to fight off bugs etc. Other signs may include depression, low back pain, irritability, jittery-ness, panic and anxiety attacks to name but a few. There are a whole raft of signs out there that may be obvious to those around you. As well as all that to contend with it is more likely that you find yourself drinking too much coffee. The caffeine within coffee tends to further stimulate the immune system and is indeed a nerve irritant.

Orenda's Immune helps.
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