[PODCAST TRANSCRIPT]
Hello everyone, I’m Savannah Alalia, and welcome to the latest episode of High Functioning Human Podcast, where you connect to yourself as a high functioning human. Today, we’re kicking off a two-part series on environmental toxins. This episode, we’re talking about external toxins, and in the next episode, we’ll discuss internal toxins. So, what do I mean by external environmental toxins? These are the nasties found in your everyday environment outside of your body that can be detrimental to your health. They can be found in the air that you’re breathing due to industrial pollution and vehicle emissions, the products that you might be applying to your skin and your hair, and the substances used in your homes, whether that’s in flame retardant materials for your furniture, or whatever it might be.
Now, did you know that air pollution contributes to one in ten deaths globally? And in fact, following blood pressure and smoking, it is the third highest contributor to global fatalities, which is wild, right? When you think of fumes and pollution, you probably think of lung conditions like COPD. But this proximity to particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which is present in traffic fumes, is also having serious neurological, even in some people, fatal effects on a huge portion of the population.
Did you know that chronic exposure to environmental toxins has been linked to neurological disorders, including reduced cognitive function and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s? A recent study in 2023 of over 450,000 cases showed that a shorter residential distance to major roads and traffic-related air pollution was associated with elevated dementia incidents and smaller brain structure volumes. Wow, that’s really crazy if you think about that, like, people’s brains actually being smaller.
So, even if you live in an area where the air is normally clean, situations like forest fires can drastically impact your exposure to PM2.5, and that can have serious long-term consequences on your health. Each person’s exposure to environmental toxins, of course, is going to vary greatly depending on your environment, depending on what’s happening in your day-to-day. And, while today’s advice will be broad, I encourage you to explore specifically relevant things to your local area or reach out with any questions that you might have.
Here’s a startling fact: Traffic and outside air quality aside, according to studies, the average home contains hundreds of chemicals, many of which we apply directly to our skin or breathe in from vapours. So, for instance, the Environmental Protection Agency in the US has found that levels of indoor air pollution can be up to two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Bananas. Thanks to things like aerosols or cleaning agents, we’re talking about a significant health stealth attack right in your living space. It’s so important to remember that while the immediate effects of exposure to these external toxins might be less obvious than the internal toxins, their long-term effects can be severe. So, regular exposure to certain chemicals found in beauty products, for example, or household cleaners, and even the air in your home could lead to a range of health issues such as respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis or skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema. Plus, let’s not even go down the road of hormonal imbalances and how those get affected, which can affect everything from your metabolism to your reproductive health.
Additionally, the cumulative effect of all of these toxins can lead to a state of toxic overload where your body’s natural detoxification systems get overwhelmed, impacting overall vitality and wellness. A report by the environmental working group highlights a worrying figure: American women use an average of twelve personal care products that contain 168 different chemicals, while men use an average of six personal care products that contain around 85 different chemicals. Now, many of these products are applied directly to your skin, where ingredients can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. So, how can you reduce your exposure to these hidden dangers? Here are some actionable steps.
You can start by doing the very simple thing of ventilating your space. Keep your living spaces well ventilated. Use exhaust fans and open windows.
Dilute the presence of airborne chemicals and choose safer products. Look for skincare. Look for cleaning products that are free from harmful chemicals, chemicals like parabens, sulphates, and phthalates. Opt for products labelled as non-toxic or eco-friendly, and be mindful about what you wear as well. Even the laundry detergent that you use can leave residue on your clothes that touch your skin all day long. Choose detergents that are hypoallergenic and free from those artificial fragrances and dyes. Those are crazy hormone disruptors, like some of the worst things you could use, so make sure that you’re picking a good quality detergent and stay informed. Brands update their formulas often, so stay up to date with the ingredients and the products that you’re using.
Additionally, I encourage you to support your body’s natural detoxification processes with supplements designed to help you clear out toxins. These are two of my top picks.
So, what changes have you made to reduce your exposure to the environmental toxins that you perhaps are already aware of, or perhaps you’re finding out just now? Maybe you found some great alternatives that work just as well without the chemical overload. So, share your discoveries and questions in the comments section below, and I will be eager to engage and hear insights and share them with our community. Understanding and managing your exposure to external environmental toxins is essential for maintaining your health as a High Functioning Human.
Stay tuned for our next episode, talking about the internal environmental toxins and how what we ingest might be affecting you.
Remember, trust your instincts and follow your intuition because the world needs your voice and the magic that it brings to every single one of us. Jump on my mailing list to stay reminded and connected with your intuition, plus some simple things that I only share in email.
I look forward to chatting with you next time on the High Functioning Human Podcast. Take care and talk soon.
As always, I remain a cheerleader for your inner self-worth,
