There are growing concerns about the short and long term effects that synthetic chemicals, known as xenobiotics, have on our health. Unfortunately, xenobiotics are present in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Nevertheless, mitigating their harmful effects is not an impossible task.
In this article, we’ll help you understand xenobiotics, their impact on health, and practical ways to lessen their effects on your health.
Understanding xenobiotics
Xenobiotics are chemicals that are foreign to natural ecosystems. In other words, they don’t occur naturally. Although they are external substances, xenobiotics can easily infiltrate the body. Actually, researchers estimate that individuals are exposed to 1 to 3 million xenobiotics during their lifetime.
Usually, common day-to-day activities result in exposure to xenobiotics. For example:
- Breathe polluted air
- Drinking poor quality water
- Administration of medications (particularly residues of prescription and recreational drugs)
- Eating ultra-processed or pesticide-treated foods
- Exposure to chemicals (like dyes, pesticides, and strong household cleaners)
Although not all xenobiotics are harmful, many are considered toxic and, in some cases, carcinogenic. As a result, they can have adverse health effects.
The impact of xenobiotics on health
To understand the effects of xenobiotics, it is important to first relate the hold that the gut microbiome has on the rest of the human body.
The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of microbiota (i.e. bacteria and other organisms) that reside in the digestive tract. The gut microbiota plays a role in many important bodily functions ranging from digestion to hormone production, weight management and immune system regulation. In order to perform these functions optimally, the gut microbiome prefers to be in a steady state.
Unfortunately, xenobiotics have the potential to disrupt the gut microbiota by modifying the composition of the bacterial communities in the intestine. These disturbances can lead to imbalances in the gut, a condition known as dysbiosis. Intestinal dysbiosis is associated with poor health outcomes such as long-term systemic diseases, including bowel and hormonal conditions.
The good news is that a healthy gut microbiome has the ability to protect against xenobiotics. Specifically, gut microbes can break down xenobiotic substances and transform them into less toxic forms. This, in turn, helps reduce their impact on the balance of the gut microbiome and your overall health.
However, it is important to keep in mind that an unhealthy gut may be less effective at protecting against toxic substances. Additionally, high exposure to xenobiotics can increase negative health effects.
Mitigation of exposure to xenobiotics
Organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Environment Agency (EEA) have identified xenobiotics as a global concern. They strive to improve public health outcomes by conducting research and implementing policies that can help minimize the presence and effects of xenobiotics.
However, urbanization and industrial processes like poor waste management, agriculture, and fossil fuels make it nearly impossible to avoid exposure to xenobiotics. Interestingly, exposure to high levels of xenobiotics is rare. But even prolonged exposure small amounts can have negative health effects.
To encourage the minimization of exposure to xenobiotics, we strongly recommend taking active measures.
Diet and lifestyle advice
Diet and lifestyle changes are an effective way to control your exposure to xenobiotics. Here are some practical tips on how to mitigate exposure to xenobiotics:
- Add antioxidants: Antioxidants can help protect cells against oxidative stress caused by xenobiotics. Antioxidants are widely available in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid ultra-processed foods: food preparation commonly forms xenobiotics. Instead, try adding more whole foods to your menu.
- Drink filtered water: Xenobiotics, plastics and other waste can easily contaminate water. Water filters as faucet mounted point of use (POU) are effective in reducing the concentration of contaminants, including lead.
- Eating Bio : Foods treated with pesticides and other chemicals contain xenobiotics. Choose organic foods, if possible.
- Try plant-based meals: High temperature cooking meat and fish can form xenobiotics. Try replacing one meal a day with a plant-based dish.
- Use “green” household cleaning products: Green household cleaning products can help lower exposure xenobiotics, such as those that act as carcinogens and endocrine (hormone) disruptors.
- Use non-toxic food storage containers: plastics container BPA, BPS and BPF are toxic and can have a negative influence on the body’s reproductive system. Opt instead for containers made of ceramic, glass, stainless steel or silicone.
Support the body’s detoxification systems
The body is constantly working to get rid of foreign substances. Naturally, supporting your body’s detoxification systems will be one of the best ways to lessen the effects of xenobiotics.
Certain food ingredients can help with this process.
For example, Clinical studies show that green algae like chlorella and spirulina (present in The daily cleaning of HUM) can improve the body’s ability to break down and eliminate xenobiotics like heavy metals.
Another detoxification agent is chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll (found in HUM’s Celery Juice Fiber Gummies) has the ability to create enzymes which help the liver convert substances into less harmful forms.
Plus, green algae and chlorophyll work as antioxidants in the body, which means they can help offset oxidative stress caused by exposure to xenobiotics.
Maintain a healthy gut microbiome
As mentioned, the gut helps protect against the negative health effects that xenobiotics can cause. Incorporating pre and probiotics into your diet and supplement routine is an important first step in supporting optimal gut health.
Probiotics are good bacteria that occupy the gut microbiota. Foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are great sources of probiotics. Supplements can also help ensure that you are getting a variety of probiotic strains. For example, HUM’s Instinct Gut contains a blend of 10 probiotic strains for gut microbiome balance.
On the other hand, prebiotics are fibers that help feed probiotics in the gut. Prebiotic fiber is abundant in fruits and vegetables like bananas, beans, apples and oats. They are also available in supplement form as in HUM’s Celery Juice Fiber Gummies which provide FOS prebiotic fiber for gut health and regularity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, xenobiotics are harmful substances foreign to the human body. Due to their toxic nature, it is important to consider dietary and lifestyle modifications to mitigate exposure. In particular, eating whole foods, using clean produce, and prioritizing gut health can help provide protection against the negative effects of xenobiotics.
Call the poison control center at 800-222-1222 or 911 if you experience a chemical emergency.