Mindful Wellness
  • Home
    • Start Here >
      • Look Around
      • Find Your Why >
        • Affirm Your Values
      • Identify Imbalances >
        • Shift Your Paradigm
  • Learn
    • Pages >
      • Inner World >
        • Awareness >
          • The Human >
            • Awareness Systems >
              • Mind >
                • Psychology >
                  • Biological >
                    • Sensation & Perception >
                      • Stress >
                        • Hormesis
                      • Visualization
                  • Behavioral >
                    • Emotions
                  • Cognitive >
                    • Conscious Mind
                    • Subconscious Mind
                  • Social
                  • Personality >
                    • Ego >
                      • Cognitive Dissonance >
                        • Anxiety
              • Body >
                • Anatomy >
                  • Organ Systems >
                    • Endocrine System >
                      • Pineal Gland
                    • Fascia
                • Physiology >
                  • Bioenergetics >
                    • Mitochondria
                  • Hormones >
                    • Testosterone
                    • Thyroid
                    • Pregnenalone
                    • Progesterone
                  • Bone Biomechanics
                  • Inflammation
              • Spirit >
                • Altered States >
                  • Entheogens
                • Intention >
                  • Creating Reality
                • Parapsychology
            • Core Pillars >
              • Happiness
              • Nutrition >
                • Nutrients >
                  • Macronutrients >
                    • Carbohydrates >
                      • Inositol
                    • Fat >
                      • Linoleic Acid
                    • Protein >
                      • Amino Acids >
                        • L-Theanine
                      • Collagen
                    • Water
                  • Micronutrients >
                    • Vitamins >
                      • Vitamin A
                      • Vitamin C
                      • B Vitamins
                      • Vitamin D
                    • Minerals >
                      • Copper
                      • Electrolytes
                      • Magnesium
                      • Boron
                  • Antioxidants >
                    • Glutathione
                  • Flavonoids >
                    • Greens
                    • Diosmin / Hesperidin
                  • Antinutrients >
                    • Histamine
                    • Mycotoxins
                  • Phytonutrients
                  • Therapeutics >
                    • Shilajit
                    • GABA
                    • Probiotics
                    • Enzymes
                    • Hydrochloric Acid
                    • Methylene Blue
                    • Adrenal Cocktail
                    • Diatomaceous Earth
                    • Mushrooms
                  • Energy Metabolism >
                    • Alcohol
                    • Caffeine
                    • Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
                  • Nutrient Timing >
                    • Intermittent Fasting >
                      • Calorie Restriction
                • Steps to an Optimal Diet >
                  • Optimal Diet Foundation >
                    • Digestion
                  • Create Your Own Food >
                    • Impact of Supplements >
                      • BCAAs
                      • Creatine Monohydrate
                      • Diatomaceous Earth
                      • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
                      • Probiotics
                      • Spirulina
                  • Whole Foods >
                    • Alkaline vs. Acidic >
                      • Acidic Foods
                      • Alkaline foods
                  • Plant-Based >
                    • Vegetarianism
                  • Animal Products >
                    • Dairy
                  • Organic
                  • Local & Seasonal
                  • Biochemical Individuality
                • Sample Meal Plans
                • Obesity >
                  • Cholesterol
                  • Weight Management
              • Fitness >
                • Active Warmup
                • Concurrent Training >
                  • Aerobic Exercise >
                    • HIIT
                  • Resistance Training >
                    • Push
                    • Pull
                    • Legs
                    • Abdominals
                    • Accessory Muscles
                  • Sports-Specific Training
                • Stretching
                • Exercise Adherence
              • Silence >
                • Sleep
          • Remedies & Therapies >
            • Ayurveda >
              • Detoxification >
                • Methylation
                • Basti
              • Doshas
              • Chakras
            • Functional Medicine >
              • FODMAP
              • Testing
              • Parasites
            • Physical Therapy >
              • Lumbar Spine
            • Contrast Therapy >
              • Deliberate Heat Exposure
              • Deliberate Cold Exposure
            • Herbalism >
              • Milk Thistle
              • Cannabis
              • Ginkgo biloba
              • Ginseng
            • Subtle Energy >
              • Earthing
          • Risk Factors >
            • Chemicals
            • Cigarettes
        • Lifestyle Applications >
          • Conscious Creations >
            • The Basics >
              • How to Shop
              • Kitchen Essentials
            • Food >
              • Sprouting
              • Vegetables >
                • Cruciferous Vegetables >
                  • Maca
              • Fiber
              • Fruits
              • Whole Grains >
                • Gluten
            • Recipes >
              • Appetizers >
                • Appetizers
              • Breakfast
              • Entrées >
                • Entrées
              • Sweets
              • Beverages >
                • Beverages
              • Dressings
          • Mindful Movement >
            • Breathing
            • Mobilization
            • Stretches
            • Stabilization
            • Exercises
            • Program Design
          • Personal Growth >
            • Communication
            • Effectiveness >
              • Goal Setting
            • Meditation >
              • Mindfulness
            • Motivation
            • Human Relations
            • Simple Living >
              • Self-sufficiency
              • Minimalism >
                • Quality Over Quantity
              • Basic Needs
      • Outer World >
        • Relationship Concepts
        • Community Concepts >
          • Development >
            • Decentralization
            • Infrastructure
            • Sustainability >
              • Permaculture
          • Values >
            • Do No Harm
            • Cooperation
            • Sense of Community
            • Service
          • Culture
        • World concepts >
          • Geopolitics >
            • Agriculture
            • Government >
              • Politics >
                • Systems >
                  • Agorism
                  • Democracy >
                    • Voting
              • Military Industrial Complex >
                • Declassified Projects >
                  • Bluebeam
                  • Highjump
                  • Manhattan
                  • MKUltra
                  • Mockingbird
                  • Northwoods
                  • Paperclip
                  • Popeye
                  • Stormfury
              • Healthcare >
                • Pharmaceuticals
                • Vaccines
                • Water Fluoridation
            • Infrastructure >
              • Energy >
                • Hydrocarbons
            • Economy >
              • Banks >
                • Federal Reserve >
                  • Money
              • Corporatocracy >
                • Alphabet
                • Facebook
          • Technology >
            • Biotechnology >
              • Genetic Engineering
            • EMFs >
              • Cell Phones
              • Microwaves
              • Smart Meters
            • Geoengineering
            • Internet >
              • Smart Grid >
                • Artificial Intelligence
                • Biometrics
              • Social Media
            • Zero-Point
          • Media >
            • Context >
              • Mainstream Media
            • Advertising >
              • Television
            • Propaganda >
              • Education >
                • Conditioning
                • History of Humanity
              • Psychological Operations >
                • False Flag Attacks >
                  • 9/11
              • Symbols >
                • Language
        • Cosmological Concepts >
          • Philosophy >
            • Hermetic Philosophy >
              • Mentalism >
                • Law of One
              • Correspondence
              • Vibration
              • Polarity
              • Gender
              • Rhythm
              • Cause & Effect
            • Metaphysics >
              • Cosmology
              • Ontology >
                • Hidden Messages >
                  • Numeric >
                    • Numerology
                  • Visual >
                    • Sacred Geometry >
                      • Fibonacci Sequence
            • Logic
            • Knowledge
          • Science >
            • Life >
              • Biology
            • Physical >
              • Physics >
                • Astronomy >
                  • Contents >
                    • Solar System >
                      • Earth
                      • Sun
                • General >
                  • Entropy
                  • Time
                  • Frequencies >
                    • Dimensions
                • Theorectical >
                  • Quantum Mechanics
                  • Multiverse
                  • Holographic Universe
          • Phenomena >
            • Extraterrestrials
            • Interplanetary Climate Change
    • Domains >
      • I >
        • Awareness
        • Lifestyle
      • We >
        • Relationships
        • Community
      • All >
        • World
        • Cosmos
  • Offerings
    • All Products >
      • Body Care >
        • Bath Salts >
          • Relax
        • Soap Bars >
          • Gentle Lavender Soap
        • Herbal Oils >
          • Radiance Skin Serum
        • Salves/Lotions >
          • Relief Body Butter (CBD + Magnesium)
          • CBD Body Butter - Herbal Salve
          • Dirty Chai Body Butter
          • Sweet Rose Cream
          • Golden Body Butter
          • Boo-Boo Salve
          • Loving Sister Salve
          • Sacred Moon Body Butter
      • Extracts >
        • Tinctures >
          • Mycelium Mix
          • Balance Formula
          • Respire
          • Endurance
          • Vital Roots - Detox
          • Bio Shield - Microbe Detox
          • Progesterone Balance
          • Bone Strength
        • Tonics / Syrups >
          • Fire Cider
          • Nutri-Tonic
          • Sour Cider
          • Bitter Tonic
          • Elderberry Immunity
          • Resilience
      • Herbal Tea >
        • Afternoon Delight
        • Happy Tummy
        • Homestead Garden
        • Mystic Garden
        • Nutri Tea
        • Serenity
        • Sleepy Tea
        • 5th Chakra Evolved Chai
      • Supplements >
        • BPC-157
    • Wellness Programs >
      • Movement Program
      • Nutrition Program
      • Lifestyle Program
      • Integral Wellness Program
    • Leave A Review
  • About
    • Offerings
    • Subscribe
    • How to Use This Website >
      • Research
    • Resources >
      • Sponsors >
        • Products
      • Questionnaires >
        • Nutrition & Lifestyle Questionnaire
        • Toxicity Questionnaire
      • Free Guides >
        • Kickstart Your Path To Holistic Vitality
      • Workshops >
        • Low Back Pain Workshop
      • Film & Literature
      • Quote Archive
    • Disclaimer
    • Support

Awareness

Unveiling Obesogens: The Hidden Culprits in Weight Gain

3/31/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
In our modern world, where convenience often comes at a cost, the prevalence of obesogens – chemicals that disrupt the body's normal metabolism and contribute to weight gain – has emerged as a growing concern. From everyday products to industrial pollutants, obesogens permeate our environment, exerting subtle yet profound effects on our health and well-being.

Commonly encountered obesogens

Picture
Among the many obesogens encountered in daily life, several stand out for their widespread use and potential health impacts:
  1. Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastics, food can linings, and thermal paper receipts, BPA is notorious for its endocrine-disrupting properties, which can interfere with hormone signaling and contribute to weight gain.
  2. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): These industrial chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), can accumulate in the environment and the food chain, posing risks to human health and metabolism.
  3. Phthalates: Commonly used in plastics, personal care products, and food packaging, phthalates have been linked to disruptions in metabolic processes and adipose tissue function.
  4. Artificial Sweeteners: While marketed as calorie-free alternatives to sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame can disrupt gut microbiota and metabolic signaling pathways, potentially contributing to weight gain.
  5. Pesticides: Chemicals used in agriculture to control pests, such as glyphosate, can also disrupt endocrine function and metabolic regulation, posing risks to human health.
  6. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): PCBs are a group of synthetic organic chemicals formerly used in various industrial applications (electrical equipment, hydraulic systems, and heat transfer fluids, and various consumer products such as paints, sealants, and plastics), known for their persistence in the environment (soil, water, air) and their potential to cause adverse health effects in humans and wildlife.
  7. Processed foods: Processed foods often contain obesogens like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into the food from packaging materials or be introduced during processing. These chemicals can disrupt metabolic function and contribute to weight gain, emphasizing the importance of choosing whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible to minimize exposure.
Bisphenol F
Bisphenol P
Bisphenol S
Antibiotics
Aspartame
Soy
Fructose
Cow Milk (Pasteurized) 
Thimerosal
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
β-hexachlorocyclohexane (βHCH)
2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP)

Mechanisms of Action

Obesogens exert their effects through various mechanisms, including:
  • Endocrine Disruption: Many obesogens interfere with hormone signaling pathways, particularly those involved in metabolism and adipogenesis (the formation of fat cells).
  • Disruption of Gut Microbiota: Some obesogens alter the composition and function of gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in metabolic regulation and energy balance.
  • Epigenetic Modifications: Exposure to obesogens during critical periods of development, such as prenatal or early childhood, can lead to long-lasting changes in gene expression that predispose individuals to weight gain and metabolic disorders.
  • Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Obesogens can trigger inflammatory responses and increase oxidative stress, both of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic and mitochondrial disorders.
Picture

Disruption of Metabolism via Mitochondria

Obesogens, through their pervasive presence in our environment, exert insidious effects on metabolic function, including the intricate workings of mitochondria – the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production. By disrupting mitochondrial function, obesogens can contribute to metabolic dysregulation and, ultimately, weight gain.

Mitochondria play a central role in energy metabolism, converting nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary source of cellular energy. However, exposure to obesogens can impair mitochondrial function through various mechanisms, including:
  • Oxidative Stress: Obesogens can promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within mitochondria, leading to oxidative damage and dysfunction.
  • Mitochondrial Biogenesis: Some obesogens interfere with the process of mitochondrial biogenesis, the creation of new mitochondria, which is essential for maintaining optimal energy metabolism.
  • Respiratory Chain Dysfunction: Obesogens may disrupt the electron transport chain, a series of protein complexes within mitochondria that generate ATP, impairing energy production.
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Integrity: Obesogens can compromise the integrity of mitochondrial membranes, affecting the transport of ions and molecules critical for energy production.

​The disruption of mitochondrial function by obesogens can have profound implications for metabolic health and contribute to obesity through several pathways:
  1. Impaired Energy Expenditure: Dysfunctional mitochondria are less efficient at generating ATP, leading to reduced energy expenditure and a propensity for weight gain.
  2. Insulin Resistance: Mitochondrial dysfunction can impair insulin signaling pathways, contributing to insulin resistance, a hallmark of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
  3. Altered Lipid Metabolism: Mitochondria play a crucial role in lipid metabolism, including the breakdown of fatty acids for energy. Disrupted mitochondrial function can lead to aberrant lipid accumulation and adipogenesis, contributing to obesity.

causative relationship with health conditions

The impact of obesogens on human health extends beyond weight gain, with associations documented with various health conditions, including:
  • Obesity: Obesogens have been implicated in the global obesity epidemic, contributing to excess weight gain and adiposity. This includes being overweight, abdominal obesity (midsection fat), childhood and adult obesity.
  • Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: Disruption of metabolic pathways by obesogens can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
  • Fatty Liver Disease: Chemical exposures, including those to bisphenols and phthalates, have been linked to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Additionally, obesogens are highly related to the following health conditions and physiologic imbalances:
Bisphenol Toxicity
Bisphenol-A Toxicity
​Chemically-Induced Liver Damage
​Fetal Origin of Adult Disease
​Fructose-Induced Toxicity
​Glyphosate Toxicity
​High Fat Diet
​Inflammation
Infant Chemical Exposures
Infant Nutrition
Insulin Resistance
​Oxidative Stress
​Phthalate Toxicity
​Prenatal Chemical Exposures
Triglycerides: Elevated

Unraveling the Role of Dysfunctional Adipose Tissue

Relatively little is known about the extent to which obesogen exposure programs dysfunctional adipose tissue that may store but not mobilize fat. However, emerging evidence suggests that obesogens may contribute to adipocyte dysfunction, leading to altered fat storage and metabolism. One potential underlying factor is suboptimal liver detoxification pathways due to inadequate micronutrient cofactors.
​
Inadequate levels of essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, can impair liver detoxification pathways responsible for metabolizing and eliminating obesogens from the body. As a result, obesogens may accumulate in adipose tissue, disrupting metabolic function and contributing to weight gain. Additionally, micronutrient deficiencies can compromise mitochondrial function, further exacerbating metabolic dysfunction and obesity risk.​

​​A Layman's Overview of Obesogens: Redefining the Weight Loss Paradigm

In the quest for weight loss, many of us often find ourselves fixating on calorie counting, fad diets, or intense workout regimens. However, what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight isn't solely about shedding pounds but rather fixing your metabolism? Enter obesogens – a lesser-known yet influential factor in the obesity epidemic.

As mentioned, obesogens are chemicals found in our environment, ranging from pesticides and plastics to food additives and personal care products. These substances have the uncanny ability to disrupt our body's natural weight-regulating mechanisms, leading to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. Instead of solely blaming calories in versus calories out, it's essential to recognize the role obesogens play in shaping our metabolism.

The Better Question: Fixing Metabolism

Rather than constantly asking ourselves, "How do I lose weight?" a more pertinent question would be:
"How do I fix my metabolism?"
Fixing metabolism involves addressing the root cause of weight gain – obesogen exposure and metabolic disruption. By eliminating or reducing our exposure to obesogens and ensuring our bodies receive essential micronutrients, we can optimize metabolic function and promote overall health.

The Two-Fold Solution

To achieve optimal health and maintain a healthy weight, a two-fold approach is necessary:
​

​1. Reduce Toxin Exposure: Minimize exposure to obesogens by making conscious choices in our daily lives. This includes opting for organic produce, using natural cleaning and personal care products, and avoiding plastic containers and food packaging whenever possible. By participating in a structured evidenced-based detoxification program, we in turn lower our toxic burden, and we can mitigate the adverse effects of obesogens on our metabolism.
Learn more about detoxification
2. Consume Micronutrients: Vital micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, serve as essential cofactors in metabolic pathways. Ensuring adequate intake of these micronutrients through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support optimal metabolic function. Additionally, supplementation may be necessary to address any deficiencies and promote metabolic health.
​
The conventional approach to weight loss often overlooks the critical role obesogens play in metabolic dysfunction. Instead of solely focusing on calorie restriction or intense exercise, shifting our focus to fixing metabolism through toxin reduction and micronutrient consumption offers a more holistic and sustainable solution to achieving optimal health. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to metabolic disruption, we can pave the way for lasting weight management and overall well-being.

the harm of environmental toxins

The disruption of metabolic and mitochondrial function by obesogens represents a significant public health concern, with implications for obesity and metabolic disease. By understanding the mechanisms through which obesogens impair mitochondrial function and contribute to weight gain, researchers can develop targeted interventions to mitigate their adverse effects on metabolic health. Moreover, addressing underlying factors such as suboptimal liver detoxification pathways and micronutrient deficiencies is essential in combating the detrimental impact of obesogens on metabolic function and obesity prevalence.

The pervasive presence of obesogens in our environment underscores the need for greater awareness and regulation of these harmful chemicals. By minimizing exposure to obesogens and advocating for safer alternatives, we can mitigate their adverse effects on human health and combat the rising tide of obesity and metabolic disease. As we navigate the complexities of modern living, vigilance and informed consumer choices are essential in safeguarding our health and well-being against the hidden threats of obesogens.

Taking Action: The Integral Wellness Program​

For those seeking tangible solutions to combat the effects of obesogens and improve their overall well-being, the Integral Wellness Program offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing health and vitality. This flagship service provides personalized guidance and support in key areas of movement, nutrition, and lifestyle to directly enhance quality of life.
Learn more about the integral wellness program
Online/In-Person Guidance
One of the standout features of the Integral Wellness Program is its flexibility, offering both online and in-person consultations tailored to individual preferences and needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of virtual sessions or the hands-on approach of in-person coaching, our team of experienced wellness professionals is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
​Movement, Nutrition, and Lifestyle
The Integral Wellness Program takes a holistic approach to health, addressing modifiable factors and behaviors in three core areas:
  1. Movement: Through customized movement plans and exercise routines, participants are empowered to enhance physical fitness, flexibility, and overall mobility. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to fitness, our expert coaches will guide you towards achieving your movement goals safely and effectively.
  2. Nutrition: Central to the Integral Wellness Program is the emphasis on nutrient-dense foods and supplements to fuel and energize your body optimally. Our nutrition experts will work with you to develop personalized meal plans and dietary strategies tailored to your unique needs and preferences. By eliminating obesogen exposure and prioritizing wholesome, nourishing foods, you can support metabolic health and achieve sustainable weight management.
  3. Lifestyle: Beyond movement and nutrition, the Integral Wellness Program addresses lifestyle factors that contribute to overall well-being. From stress management techniques to sleep hygiene practices, our holistic approach encompasses all aspects of lifestyle optimization to promote balance, resilience, and vitality.

​Augmenting the Health Process
By participating in the Integral Wellness Program, you'll not only gain valuable knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of modern living but also receive ongoing support and accountability to stay on track towards your health goals. Through targeted interventions aimed at eliminating obesogen exposure and promoting healthy behaviors, you can unlock your body's full potential and thrive in all aspects of life.
Learn more about the integral wellness program
The Integral Wellness Program offers a transformative journey towards optimal health and vitality. By prioritizing movement, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications, participants can take proactive steps to combat the effects of obesogens and reclaim control over their well-being. With the guidance and support of our dedicated wellness professionals, you'll embark on a path of self-discovery, empowerment, and lasting transformation.

references


Read More
0 Comments

Dr. Zach Bush: Chemical Farming & The Loss of Human Health

6/5/2021

1 Comment

 
We’ve built an entire economy, not just in the United States but the entire Western civilization, on healthcare. For thousands of years, real control over populations has been around their food. Today, with billions of souls on the planet, controlling food has become a massive business and a means of ultimate political control. Between 1982 and 2000, something changed in our environment, overwhelming the immune system of the population. Diseases in different organ systems started going epidemic simultaneously, challenging the notion of a thousand different diseases.

In the late 1800s, we changed the way we farmed, leading to a disrespect for crop rotation and soil health. This disrespect for soil health resulted in the Dust Bowl of the 1920s and 30s, pushing us to outsource our food production and rely on imported food. After World War II, with a surplus of petroleum, we started producing chemical-based fertilizers, leading to the Green Revolution. While plants turned green due to nitrogen and phosphorus, they lacked essential nutrients and medicine.

This deficiency weakened plants, making them susceptible to diseases and pests. The chemical industry introduced pesticides and herbicides (including #Glyphosate), creating a co-dependent relationship between farmers and chemical solutions. Similarly, in healthcare, we’ve become dependent on drugs to manage symptoms, creating a cycle of side effects and more medications. The epidemic rise in diseases like autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autoimmune disorders signals a deeper problem, challenging our understanding of the root cause of diseases.

It’s time to reconsider our approach to health, starting with understanding the importance of soil health and nutrition. Just as respecting soil is crucial for healthy crops, prioritizing our body’s nutritional needs is fundamental for overall well-being. Let’s shift our focus from symptom management to addressing the root cause, promoting a holistic approach to health.

Zach Bush, MD is triple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, endocrinology and hospice care. He is the founder of Seraphic Group, an organization devoted to developing root-cause solutions for human and ecological health in the sectors of big farming, big pharma, and Western Medicine at large. And he is also the founder of Farmers Footprint https://farmersfootprint.us/, a non-profit coalition of farmers, educators, doctors, scientists, and business leaders aiming to expose the deleterious human and environmental impacts of chemical farming and pesticide reliance - while simultaneously offering a path forward through regenerative agricultural practices.
1 Comment

10 Americans Study

12/27/2018

0 Comments

 
The environment that we live in is toxic. It is worrisome to think that the status quo has occurred with the help of corporations knowingly dumping harmful chemicals into the environment.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has studied the current state of our world in great detail and has discovered that before a child is even born they already have approximately 287 toxins in their blood and tissues. These results came from 10 newborns whose parents gave permission to have their toxins measured at birth.

The results of this study indicate that an average of 200 chemicals was found in each newborn. Of the toxins tested, 47 were consumer ingredients such as cosmetics, 212 were industrial and pesticide byproducts. In this study, only around 400 total chemicals were actually tested for - thousands of others may have been found if larger parameters were used.

Many of the toxins measured in the newborns included plastics, flame retardants, and other chemicals that disrupt brain function, IQ, hormones, and the nervous system of the child. Some of the toxins observed like DDT, have actually been banned since 1972 (over 3 decades ago), but are still being measured in laboratory samples. Certain chemicals never fully degrade in the environment.

So, there is not question about it, the environment we live in is toxic. All of us have disease-creating toxins inside of our bodies, the question boils down to which ones and how much.

But there are some solutions: lab tests and detoxification.
Show me the Toxicity Test
0 Comments

Bayer-Funded Study Finds Pesticides Are Killing Bees

7/30/2017

0 Comments

 
The decline of honey bees and other pollinators have been at the forefront of recent scientific publications and popular press for quite some time. A growing body of evidence suggests that no single stressor alone is responsible for these observed declines; but rather, the phenomena is probably a combination of various factors acting in synchrony, to have a negative impact on pollinator populations.
Picture
Image by Björn Appel on Wikimedia Commons
Pesticides are stressors that have received considerable attention, and among these no single class has received more attention than the neonicotinoids. These insecticides are acutely toxic to honey bees, environmentally persistent and mobile in the environment (Long & Krupke, 2016).

A recent large-scale, real-world field study, published in the journal Science, evaluating neonicotinoid pesticides has been added to a growing body of evidence suggesting that these agricultural chemicals are indeed harming bee populations to a unprecedented level.

Researchers investigated three different bee species across 33 sites in the United
Kingdom, Germany and Hungary, and found that exposure to neonicotinoid-treated crops is associated with a reduced capacity of bee species to establish new populations in the year following exposure.

For honey bees, the researchers found both negative (Hungary and United Kingdom) and positive (Germany) effects during crop flowering. In Hungary, negative effects on honey bees persisted over winter and resulted in smaller colonies in the following spring (24% declines). In wild bees (Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis), reproduction was negatively correlated with neonicotinoid residues (Woodcock et al., 2017).

Bayer and Syngenta, makers of neonicotinoid pesticides, promptly disputed the researchers’ conclusions—even though they partially funded the study (Gardner, 2017).
Read the Bayer/Syngenta Emails Here
The amount of research pertaining to the effects of neonicotinoids on bees is overwhelming. Here are some of the results gathered from various studies conducted evaluating the effects of neonicotinoids on bees:
  • Small bodied species show greater sensitivity to neonicotinoids.
  • Dosed bees were significantly less likely to return to the nest than control bees.
  • Bees in the two neonicotinoid treatments grew significantly more slowly and had an 85% reduction in the number of new queens produced when compared to control colonies.
  • Concentration of thiamethoxam (a neonicotinoid) in pollen significantly negatively predicted both colony weight gain and production of new queens.
  • Field-realistic doses of neonicotinoids (<3.5 ng/g) resulted in sublethal impacts on their ability to successfully build nests and provision offspring.
  • Field studies using bumblebees demonstrate that exposure to neonicotinoid-treated flowering crops can have significant impacts on colony growth and reproductive output depending on the levels exposed to.
Learn more about The environmental risks of neonicotinoid pesticides

Bees May Be Exposed to 32 Pesticides When Collecting Pollen

Given the vast farmlands devoted to crops and concerns about worldwide pollinator decline, researchers set out to to determine how (that is, plant species) and when (that is, time in season), pollen-foraging honey bees are exposed to a range of pesticides in agricultural landscapes, with an eye towards clarifying potential high-risk compounds and identifying common combinations of pesticides encountered in field environments.
The researchers observed that pollen collected by honey bees was consistently contaminated with pesticides throughout the 16-week observation period. Pesticide residue analyses of bee-collected pollen revealed contamination by up to 32 different pesticides spanning 9 chemical classes (Table 1 - Click to enlarge).
Picture
Table 1
The most common pesticide types detected in pollen samples across all sites were fungicides and herbicides. Honey bees visited a diverse assemblage of flowering plants, collecting pollen from up to 30 plant families during the 16-week sampling period (Long & Krupke, 2016).

It is evident that bees and other non-target organisms inhabiting farmland are routinely exposed to far more complex cocktails of pesticides than any experimental protocol has yet attempted to examine. Since researchers typically study the effects of only one chemical at a time, a major challenge for scientists and regulators is to attempt to understand how chronic exposure to complex mixtures of neonicotinoids and other chemicals affects wildlife, including humans.

Bees are Crucial for Pollinating Crops

The results from this research are particularly important because many crops globally are insect pollinated and without pollinators we would struggle to produce many foods. Across crops, years and biogeographical regions, crop-visiting wild bee communities are dominated by a small number of common species, and threatened species are rarely observed on crops. Researchers have observed that a small number of species dominate the contribution of crop production. Across 90 studies, the researchers observed that 2% of bee species account for almost 80% of all crop visits (Kleijn et al., 2017).

Implications of These Findings - We Too Are Full of Pesticides

As one might imagine, if bees are exposed to various pesticides in pollen, humans are likely exposed to multiple pesticides from the environment as well, including food. One of the most ubiquitous pesticides is glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup herbicide and the most-used agricultural chemical in history. Testing organized by the Detox Project and commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) in 2015 has determined the urine of 93% of Americans tested positive for glyphosate, with children having the highest levels (UCSF..., 2017).

A Solution - Vote With Your Dollar

Do you support the use of these pesticides? If you are purchasing products that are contaminated with these neonicotinoids, you are contributing to this problem. If you refuse to buy foods contaminated with pesticides, the companies taking these short cuts will stop producing these products. These companies function on a corporate, patent-driven agricultural model that involves monoculture crops dependent on high chemical inputs. This creates a positive feedback loop where pest plants and insects become resistant to herbicides and pesticides, prompting companies to make other, more toxic chemicals. This ever-growing dependence on chemicals, which threatens natural ecosystems and human health, is highly profitable to companies like Bayer, Syngeta and Monsanto.

It is up to everyone of us to source foods that we know how they are grown and produced - easier said than done when shopping at a supermarket. Try shopping at your local farmer's markets, where you can meet the farmers in person and know how they are growing the food you purchase. You should know what is in your food. Collectively, we have the power to choose what we as consumers want.

A Better Solution - Grow Your Own Food

The ideal solution to this problem is to grow your own food in an organic garden! Both flower and vegetable gardens provide good honeybee habitats. It's also recommended to keep a small basin of fresh water in your garden or backyard, as bees actually do get thirsty. Be very mindful of pesticide use, and think twice whether such chemicals are really necessary before you spray them (this goes for flea repellents, mosquito sprays and more). You can take bee preservation a step further by trying your hand at amateur beekeeping. Maintaining a hive in your garden requires minimal time, benefits your local ecosystem, and you get to enjoy your own homegrown honey.

As for pesticides in your body, your best bet for minimizing health risks from herbicide and pesticide exposure — including both the active and "inactive" ingredients — is to avoid them in the first place by eating organic as much as possible.

References

Gardner, J. (2017). Bayer Accidentally Funds Study Showing Its Pesticide is Killing Bees, Promptly Denies Conclusions. The Free Thought Project. Retrieved 1 August 2017, from http://thefreethoughtproject.com/bayer-funds-study-showing-pesticide-killing-bees/

Kleijn, D., Winfree, R., Bartomeus, I., Carvalheiro, L., Henry, M., & Isaacs, R. et al. (2015). Delivery of crop pollination services is an insufficient argument for wild pollinator conservation. Nature Communications, 6, 7414. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms8414

Long, E., & Krupke, C. (2016). Non-cultivated plants present a season-long route of pesticide exposure for honey bees. Nature Communications, 7, 11629. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncomms11629

UCSF Presentation Reveals Glyphosate Contamination in People Across America. (2017). Organicconsumers.org. Retrieved 1 August 2017, from https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/ucsf-presentation-reveals-glyphosate-contamination-people-across-america

Woodcock, B., Bullock, J., Shore, R., Heard, M., Pereira, M., & Redhead, J. et al. (2017). Country-specific effects of neonicotinoid pesticides on honey bees and wild bees. Science, 356(6345), 1393-1395. http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa1190

0 Comments
    The Awareness domain contains research, news, information, observations, and ideas at the level of self in an effort to intellectualize health concepts.
    Mind
    Body
    Spirit
    The Lifestyle domain builds off intellectual concepts and offers practical applications.
    Lifestyle
    Taking care of yourself is at the core of the other domains because the others depend on your health and wellness.
    Community
    World
    Cosmos

    Archives

    March 2025
    December 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    July 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All
    5G
    Adductors
    Anxiety
    Autism
    Ayurveda
    Big Pharma
    Body
    Breathing
    Cancer
    Cannabis
    Carbohydrates
    Cardiovascular Disease
    Cell Phones
    Children
    Chronic Disease
    Cognition
    Consciousness
    Coronavirus
    Covid
    Cryotherapy
    Depression
    Deuterium
    Diet
    Dietary Guidelines
    EMFs
    Emotions
    Endocrine Disruptors
    Environment
    Exercise
    Farming
    Fasting
    Fats
    Fluoride
    Food
    Food Like Product
    Food-like Product
    Forest
    Gardening
    Genetics
    Glyphosate
    GMOs
    Hamstrings
    Healing
    Health
    Herbalism
    Hormones
    HRV
    Immunity
    Infertility
    Laughter
    Light
    Lockdowns
    Loneliness
    Longevity
    Masks
    Meditation
    Metabolism
    Microbiome
    Microwave Radiation
    Mind
    Mortality
    Musculoskeletal System
    Nature
    Neuroplasticity
    Nutrition
    Obesity
    Omega 3
    Omega-3
    Organic
    Pelvis/Thigh
    Pesticides
    Physical Therapy
    Placebo
    Plastic
    Pollution
    Positive
    Pregnancy
    Prevention
    Processed Foods
    Protein
    Psi
    Quadriceps
    Research
    Retirement
    Salt
    Sleep
    Spine/Thorax
    Spirit
    Stress
    Sugar
    Technology
    Touch Screens
    Toxicity
    Vaccines
    Vegetable Oils
    Well Being
    Well-Being

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
  • Home
    • Start Here >
      • Look Around
      • Find Your Why >
        • Affirm Your Values
      • Identify Imbalances >
        • Shift Your Paradigm
  • Learn
    • Pages >
      • Inner World >
        • Awareness >
          • The Human >
            • Awareness Systems >
              • Mind >
                • Psychology >
                  • Biological >
                    • Sensation & Perception >
                      • Stress >
                        • Hormesis
                      • Visualization
                  • Behavioral >
                    • Emotions
                  • Cognitive >
                    • Conscious Mind
                    • Subconscious Mind
                  • Social
                  • Personality >
                    • Ego >
                      • Cognitive Dissonance >
                        • Anxiety
              • Body >
                • Anatomy >
                  • Organ Systems >
                    • Endocrine System >
                      • Pineal Gland
                    • Fascia
                • Physiology >
                  • Bioenergetics >
                    • Mitochondria
                  • Hormones >
                    • Testosterone
                    • Thyroid
                    • Pregnenalone
                    • Progesterone
                  • Bone Biomechanics
                  • Inflammation
              • Spirit >
                • Altered States >
                  • Entheogens
                • Intention >
                  • Creating Reality
                • Parapsychology
            • Core Pillars >
              • Happiness
              • Nutrition >
                • Nutrients >
                  • Macronutrients >
                    • Carbohydrates >
                      • Inositol
                    • Fat >
                      • Linoleic Acid
                    • Protein >
                      • Amino Acids >
                        • L-Theanine
                      • Collagen
                    • Water
                  • Micronutrients >
                    • Vitamins >
                      • Vitamin A
                      • Vitamin C
                      • B Vitamins
                      • Vitamin D
                    • Minerals >
                      • Copper
                      • Electrolytes
                      • Magnesium
                      • Boron
                  • Antioxidants >
                    • Glutathione
                  • Flavonoids >
                    • Greens
                    • Diosmin / Hesperidin
                  • Antinutrients >
                    • Histamine
                    • Mycotoxins
                  • Phytonutrients
                  • Therapeutics >
                    • Shilajit
                    • GABA
                    • Probiotics
                    • Enzymes
                    • Hydrochloric Acid
                    • Methylene Blue
                    • Adrenal Cocktail
                    • Diatomaceous Earth
                    • Mushrooms
                  • Energy Metabolism >
                    • Alcohol
                    • Caffeine
                    • Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
                  • Nutrient Timing >
                    • Intermittent Fasting >
                      • Calorie Restriction
                • Steps to an Optimal Diet >
                  • Optimal Diet Foundation >
                    • Digestion
                  • Create Your Own Food >
                    • Impact of Supplements >
                      • BCAAs
                      • Creatine Monohydrate
                      • Diatomaceous Earth
                      • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
                      • Probiotics
                      • Spirulina
                  • Whole Foods >
                    • Alkaline vs. Acidic >
                      • Acidic Foods
                      • Alkaline foods
                  • Plant-Based >
                    • Vegetarianism
                  • Animal Products >
                    • Dairy
                  • Organic
                  • Local & Seasonal
                  • Biochemical Individuality
                • Sample Meal Plans
                • Obesity >
                  • Cholesterol
                  • Weight Management
              • Fitness >
                • Active Warmup
                • Concurrent Training >
                  • Aerobic Exercise >
                    • HIIT
                  • Resistance Training >
                    • Push
                    • Pull
                    • Legs
                    • Abdominals
                    • Accessory Muscles
                  • Sports-Specific Training
                • Stretching
                • Exercise Adherence
              • Silence >
                • Sleep
          • Remedies & Therapies >
            • Ayurveda >
              • Detoxification >
                • Methylation
                • Basti
              • Doshas
              • Chakras
            • Functional Medicine >
              • FODMAP
              • Testing
              • Parasites
            • Physical Therapy >
              • Lumbar Spine
            • Contrast Therapy >
              • Deliberate Heat Exposure
              • Deliberate Cold Exposure
            • Herbalism >
              • Milk Thistle
              • Cannabis
              • Ginkgo biloba
              • Ginseng
            • Subtle Energy >
              • Earthing
          • Risk Factors >
            • Chemicals
            • Cigarettes
        • Lifestyle Applications >
          • Conscious Creations >
            • The Basics >
              • How to Shop
              • Kitchen Essentials
            • Food >
              • Sprouting
              • Vegetables >
                • Cruciferous Vegetables >
                  • Maca
              • Fiber
              • Fruits
              • Whole Grains >
                • Gluten
            • Recipes >
              • Appetizers >
                • Appetizers
              • Breakfast
              • Entrées >
                • Entrées
              • Sweets
              • Beverages >
                • Beverages
              • Dressings
          • Mindful Movement >
            • Breathing
            • Mobilization
            • Stretches
            • Stabilization
            • Exercises
            • Program Design
          • Personal Growth >
            • Communication
            • Effectiveness >
              • Goal Setting
            • Meditation >
              • Mindfulness
            • Motivation
            • Human Relations
            • Simple Living >
              • Self-sufficiency
              • Minimalism >
                • Quality Over Quantity
              • Basic Needs
      • Outer World >
        • Relationship Concepts
        • Community Concepts >
          • Development >
            • Decentralization
            • Infrastructure
            • Sustainability >
              • Permaculture
          • Values >
            • Do No Harm
            • Cooperation
            • Sense of Community
            • Service
          • Culture
        • World concepts >
          • Geopolitics >
            • Agriculture
            • Government >
              • Politics >
                • Systems >
                  • Agorism
                  • Democracy >
                    • Voting
              • Military Industrial Complex >
                • Declassified Projects >
                  • Bluebeam
                  • Highjump
                  • Manhattan
                  • MKUltra
                  • Mockingbird
                  • Northwoods
                  • Paperclip
                  • Popeye
                  • Stormfury
              • Healthcare >
                • Pharmaceuticals
                • Vaccines
                • Water Fluoridation
            • Infrastructure >
              • Energy >
                • Hydrocarbons
            • Economy >
              • Banks >
                • Federal Reserve >
                  • Money
              • Corporatocracy >
                • Alphabet
                • Facebook
          • Technology >
            • Biotechnology >
              • Genetic Engineering
            • EMFs >
              • Cell Phones
              • Microwaves
              • Smart Meters
            • Geoengineering
            • Internet >
              • Smart Grid >
                • Artificial Intelligence
                • Biometrics
              • Social Media
            • Zero-Point
          • Media >
            • Context >
              • Mainstream Media
            • Advertising >
              • Television
            • Propaganda >
              • Education >
                • Conditioning
                • History of Humanity
              • Psychological Operations >
                • False Flag Attacks >
                  • 9/11
              • Symbols >
                • Language
        • Cosmological Concepts >
          • Philosophy >
            • Hermetic Philosophy >
              • Mentalism >
                • Law of One
              • Correspondence
              • Vibration
              • Polarity
              • Gender
              • Rhythm
              • Cause & Effect
            • Metaphysics >
              • Cosmology
              • Ontology >
                • Hidden Messages >
                  • Numeric >
                    • Numerology
                  • Visual >
                    • Sacred Geometry >
                      • Fibonacci Sequence
            • Logic
            • Knowledge
          • Science >
            • Life >
              • Biology
            • Physical >
              • Physics >
                • Astronomy >
                  • Contents >
                    • Solar System >
                      • Earth
                      • Sun
                • General >
                  • Entropy
                  • Time
                  • Frequencies >
                    • Dimensions
                • Theorectical >
                  • Quantum Mechanics
                  • Multiverse
                  • Holographic Universe
          • Phenomena >
            • Extraterrestrials
            • Interplanetary Climate Change
    • Domains >
      • I >
        • Awareness
        • Lifestyle
      • We >
        • Relationships
        • Community
      • All >
        • World
        • Cosmos
  • Offerings
    • All Products >
      • Body Care >
        • Bath Salts >
          • Relax
        • Soap Bars >
          • Gentle Lavender Soap
        • Herbal Oils >
          • Radiance Skin Serum
        • Salves/Lotions >
          • Relief Body Butter (CBD + Magnesium)
          • CBD Body Butter - Herbal Salve
          • Dirty Chai Body Butter
          • Sweet Rose Cream
          • Golden Body Butter
          • Boo-Boo Salve
          • Loving Sister Salve
          • Sacred Moon Body Butter
      • Extracts >
        • Tinctures >
          • Mycelium Mix
          • Balance Formula
          • Respire
          • Endurance
          • Vital Roots - Detox
          • Bio Shield - Microbe Detox
          • Progesterone Balance
          • Bone Strength
        • Tonics / Syrups >
          • Fire Cider
          • Nutri-Tonic
          • Sour Cider
          • Bitter Tonic
          • Elderberry Immunity
          • Resilience
      • Herbal Tea >
        • Afternoon Delight
        • Happy Tummy
        • Homestead Garden
        • Mystic Garden
        • Nutri Tea
        • Serenity
        • Sleepy Tea
        • 5th Chakra Evolved Chai
      • Supplements >
        • BPC-157
    • Wellness Programs >
      • Movement Program
      • Nutrition Program
      • Lifestyle Program
      • Integral Wellness Program
    • Leave A Review
  • About
    • Offerings
    • Subscribe
    • How to Use This Website >
      • Research
    • Resources >
      • Sponsors >
        • Products
      • Questionnaires >
        • Nutrition & Lifestyle Questionnaire
        • Toxicity Questionnaire
      • Free Guides >
        • Kickstart Your Path To Holistic Vitality
      • Workshops >
        • Low Back Pain Workshop
      • Film & Literature
      • Quote Archive
    • Disclaimer
    • Support