The Effects of Environmental Pollution on the Body

This article discusses the effect of environmental pollution on the body and the importance of detoxification. It looks at the importance of the liver in the detoxification process. It also focuses on detoxification properties of herbs and a formula for cleansing and minimizing the negative effects of environmental pollution.

Environmental pollution includes air and water pollution, radiation, pesticides and dangerous chemicals which enter our bodies through breathing, touching and ingestion. If this pollution is not eliminated from our bodies via detoxification, it can produce many diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, headaches, allergies, general irritability, miscarriages and birth defects as is the case with 2,4-D and 2,3,4-T pesticides. When pollutants or free radicals enter our bodies, they produce direct irritation. They attach themselves to the cells or the DNA, creating cellular or DNA changes and produce a weaker immune system. In the case of Strontium 90, it can go directly to the bones damaging the bone marrow.

As environmental pollution produces weaker immune systems, weaker bodies and increases one’s environmental sensitivity, a proper detoxification program is vital to maintain good health, and to minimize toxins. A healthy body and immune system can eliminate toxins through our lymph system, sweat glands and tears, kidneys, bladder, urethra, liver, gallbladder, colon, lungs, throat, sinuses, nose and bronchial tubes.

A good formula for cleansing and minimizing the negative effects of pollution should assist the above organs to function correctly. Therefore a recommended herbal formula should include: algin (from algae or seaweeds), wheat bran, apple pectin, alfalfa (medicago sativa) and kelp (lamanaria, macrocytes, ascophyllum). The properties of kelp prevent Strontium 90 from being absorbed by the body, encourage the action of dietary fiber, normalize bowel movements and assist the immune system. The properties of Algin, which is a non digestible substance, prevent tissues from absorbing toxic material. Bran protects blood and tissues from toxins by assuring proper bowel cleansing, while pectin lowers cholesterol levels. Being a very nutritional food, Alfalfa prevents increases in blood cholesterol and reduces any tissue damage, due to the presence of vitamin K. Alfalfa is anti bacterial and antitumor and inactivates toxic substances in the body before any harm is done.

As the function of the liver is to store and filter blood via removing toxins, it plays a major role in detoxification. A herbal formula to maintain a healthy liver includes: Dandelion root (Taraxacum Officinale) which cleans the liver and the blood by filtering toxins; Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) which is an excellent detoxifier and is important against inflammations, bacteria, viruses and cholesterol; Celery seed (apium graveolens) which has diuretic and antioxidative properties; Cayenne (Capsicum annum) which is a reaction promoter; and Wild Yam root (dioscorea villosa) which increases efficiency and reduces stress on the liver.