There is more recent research that has been connecting the rapid increase in diabetes and insulin resistance to toxins found in our water, food, air and environment. Certain studies have been showing that many of these endocrine disruptive toxins damage the liver, fat cells and alpha and beta cells of the pancreas, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Some of these toxins are:
Bisphenols (BPA) – found in cash register receipts, canned goods and Styrofoam containers
Pesticides and Insecticides – found in many fruits, vegetables, grains, meats that are not organically raised
Phthalates – found in many plastic products and cosmetics
Flame retardants – found in mattresses, carpet, furniture, fabrics and electronics. Flame retardants are known as brominated flame retardants. Examples, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDs) and Firemaster 550. Exposure to these is largely from house dust and contaminated foods.
Solvents and lubricants – can be absorbed from the skin or inhaled through the lungs. They also suspect that some may lead to diabetes and other health issues.
Dioxins – found in contaminated meat, dairy, fish and shellfish and this group of chlorinated organic pollutants are derived from industrial wastes by-products and can come naturally from forest fires and volcanic eruptions. They are related to agent orange, a formally used herbicide during the Vietnam War. Some examples polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated dibenzodioxin (PCDDs)
Heavy Metals – Arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and nickel. Arsenic has been studied extensively and has shown a strong connection with diabetes. There is research connecting some of the other heavy metals to insulin resistance and diabetes but, it is not totally conclusive.
These endocrine disrupting compounds have been known to lead to zinc deficiency and zinc is essential for insulin production, decreasing inflammation, and important in joint health. The endocrine disrupting compounds decrease proper levels of DHA which is an important omega 3 fat to decrease inflammation. They also decrease a process in the body called sulfation which is crucial for proper cartilage production and joint health.
Did you know that the incidence of frozen shoulder is about 2-4 times that in the diabetic population vs. the non- diabetic population? Regarding the total number of people that had frozen shoulder, 38.6% had diabetes and 71.5% of diabetics have had frozen shoulder. So, it is common for diabetics to have this type of joint problem. It is suspected that this occurs due to poor microcirculation in the joint. The blood vessels release a protein that causes increased or abnormal collagen fibers to be placed in the joint ligaments and tendons causing restricted joint motion. Another reason for frozen shoulder can be due to glycosylation of the tissue of the joint. Glycosylation causes the tissues such as the ligaments and tendons to become inflamed and stiff. Again, this causes restricted motion and pain.
WHAT CAN BE DONE??
To help eliminate toxins here are few suggestions:
- Eat more organic fruits and vegetables
- Eat beef that is grass fed and other organically raised animals
- Avoid drinking or eating from plastic containers
- Drink filtered water
- Use organic based home cleaning products
- Use ceramic, glass, cast iron, or safe green cookware
- Use a filter for your shower
- Use phthalate, paraben, fragrance, and BPA free organic cosmetics and personal hygiene products
- Take milk thistle, artichoke, dandelion, curcumin, N- acetyl cysteine, calcium d-glucarate, green tea extract (ECG), zinc, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and lipoic acid.
- Lastly, FAR INFRARED SAUNA TREATMENTS!
Again, we wish to remind you that during the month of February and March that we are reducing the cost of using the Far Infrared sauna. Normally a single session is $35, but if you purchase a session before the March 16th it is only $25. Normally, a package of 6 sessions is normally $180, but if you purchase before the March 16th it is $120. Attached is a prior newsletter that details how the far infrared works and its additional health benefits. Using the sauna may help you to detoxify, get relief from joint/shoulder problems and possibly reduce blood sugar. To set up an appointment, please call our office at (480) 732-0911.
Best of Health,
Dr. Reade